The hard-hitting defenceman will earn an average annual salary of $1.3 million.
Arber Xhekaj and the Montreal Canadiens have agreed to a two-year contract extension, the team announced on Tuesday.
The defenseman, who was a restricted free agent, will make an average of US$1.3 million over the next two seasons.
Last season, Xhekaj appeared in 44 games with the Canadiens, scoring three goals and seven assists, while also serving 81 penalty minutes. He also played 17 games for the Laval Rocket after being demoted in December.
The Canadiens recalled the 23-year-old in late January, but for the second year in a row, shoulder surgery cut his season short. He is anticipated to return in time for the 2024–25 season.
Xhekaj worked at Costco four years ago, when the OHL’s 2020-21 season was canceled due to COVID-19.
