Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has made headlines following a scathing public accusation against head coach Martin St. Louis. In a recent interview, Xhekaj claimed that St. Louis used his coaching authority to “cause hell” for players he personally disliked, sparking controversy within the Canadiens organization and across the NHL.
Xhekaj, known for his physical style and no-nonsense demeanor, did not hold back in his comments. There were times when it felt like certain guys didn’t get a fair shot not because of performance, but because they weren’t liked by the coach, he said. It wasn’t about hockey anymore. It was personal.
The 23-year-old defenseman’s remarks suggest deeper tensions behind the scenes in Montreal. While St. Louis has often been praised for his communication skills and player development focus, Xhekaj’s claims paint a different picture—one of selective treatment and internal politics that may have affected team morale and performance.
Neither St. Louis nor Canadiens management has publicly responded to the accusations, but league insiders suggest the team may be forced to address the issue soon. If substantiated, these claims could undermine St. Louis’ credibility and impact his future with the organization.
Xhekaj’s statements come at a time when teams across the NHL are increasingly emphasizing culture and transparency in leadership. This controversy could prompt further scrutiny of coaching styles and locker room dynamics across the league.
As the story develops, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the Canadiens respond both in terms of public relations and potential internal changes. Whether Xhekaj’s comments lead to significant fallout or are dismissed as personal grievances remains to be seen, but the spotlight is now firmly on Montreal’s bench.