Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj Is Now NHL's Best With This Crazy Stat

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj scored his first goal of the 2026-27 season against the Utah Mammoth on Thursday night.

It was a nice goal from Xhekaj, too, as he beat Mammoth goalie Sebastian Cossa top shelf with a beautiful one-timer slap shot from the point. 

With this goal, Xhekaj is now at the top of the NHL with an impressive stat. 

According to NHL Public Relations, Xhekaj has now recorded this season's hardest shot that resulted in a goal. Xhekaj's shot with his goal was 97.22 MPH.

After scoring a goal like this, it is clear that Xhekaj should be looking to shoot the puck more from the point. This was undoubtedly a nice goal from the 25-year-old defenseman. 

In 245 career NHL games, Xhekaj has now recorded 11 goals and 35 points. The big blueliner may not be known as an offensive defenseman, but he certainly showed with this goal that he can shoot. 

It will now be interesting to see how Xhekaj builds off this great goal for the Canadiens from here.