Fan favorite Canadiens forward Arber Xhekaj will make his first start since November 16th as he makes his AHL debut tonight for Laval

Gritty defenseman Arber Xhekaj is set to make his American Hockey League debut with the Laval Rocket tonight as they take on the Belleville Senators. 

The 22-year-old was placed on injured reserve following a November 16th contest against the Vegas Golden Knights and missed seven games for the Canadiens. 

He was assigned to Laval on a conditioning stint on December 4th, where he is set for his first taste of AHL action at Place Bell. He is expected to be paired with 27-year-old stay-at-home defenseman Brady Keeper. 

The Hamilton native, an OHL product of the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs, put up 13 points with 101 penalty minutes through 51 games in his first season with Montreal in 2022-23. He's clocked 47 PMs and three points through 17 games with the Habs so far this season. 

Xhekaj has rendered himself to Habs fans in his two years in La Belle Province for his tenacity, grit, and willingness to drop the gloves with opponents when called upon.