The deal will pay Xhekaj $750,000 in salary in the NHL in 2021-22 and 2022-23, and $775,000 in 2023-24, while it will see him earn $70,000 in the AHL. The contract also contains signing bonuses of $80,000 (2021-22), $70,000 (2022-23) and $60,000 (2023-24).
Xhekaj was released from training camp and will be loaned to the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL.
Xhekaj played 51 games with Kitchener in 2019-20, registering six goals and 11 assists, in addition to serving 88 penalty minutes. The 6'03'', 204 lbs blueliner also posted a plus-26 differential in his second season in the junior ranks. Xhekaj did not play in 2020-21 following the cancellation of the OHL season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Hamilton, ON native has skated in 110 contests in the OHL since making his debut in 2018-19. Xhekaj, 20, produced eight goals and added 12 assists, while also serving 120 penalty minutes.
Xhekaj was initially invited to rookie camp before being invited to the main training camp.
