Arber Xhekaj signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. It has an average annual value of $1.3 million.
The 23-year-old defenseman, who was a restricted free agent, had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 44 games last season, led the Canadiens in penalty minutes (81) and was fourth with 125 hits.
Signed by Montreal as an undrafted free agent Oct. 4, 2021, Xhekaj has 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 95 NHL games.
“It's been like a flash; I don't even know how to look back,” Xhekaj said. “To already be going into my third year and off of my entry-level (contract), it’s like, ‘Where did the time go?’ Things happen pretty fast, but I'm definitely grateful for all the years I've played and I'm just grateful for what I’ve experienced to become where I am today.”
The Canadiens also signed defenseman Justin Barron to a two-year, $2.3 million contract Tuesday. It has an AAV of $1.15 million.
Barron, 22, had 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 48 games with Montreal last season.
Selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round (No. 25) of the 2020 NHL Draft, Barron has 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 94 NHL games for the Avalanche and Canadiens.
NHL.com independent correspondent Sean Farrell contributed to this report
