Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj: Inks two-year deal

Xhekaj (shoulder) signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract with Montreal on Tuesday.

Xhekaj was limited to just 44 NHL games last season, in part due to his shoulder problem, but could be in the mix for a full-time lineup spot this upcoming campaign. Still, even if the blueliner does make the Opening Night roster, he is far from a lock for playing time and could find himself periodically sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch. He'll need to stave off the likes of Justin Barron to maintain a spot on the third pairing.