Montreal, QC — The Montreal Canadiens are set to ignite the Bell Centre tonight in a highly anticipated showdown against the Nashville Predators, but it’s not just the on-ice action stirring controversy. In a move that has already divided fans, the Canadiens have confirmed that defenseman Jayden Struble will make his season debut—while Arber Xhekaj, a fan favorite known for his grit and physicality, has been left out of the lineup.
The decision, confirmed by TVA Sports’ Anthony Martineau, follows speculation earlier in the day when Renaud Lavoie observed Struble’s limited activity during morning skate. “Struble IN. Xhekaj OUT,” Martineau posted, sending shockwaves through the Canadiens’ fanbase.
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Montreal hasn’t lost in regulation at home since February 9, 2025, and tonight’s matchup—broadcast on RDS and TSN2—comes on the heels of a thrilling season opener. With the Predators reeling from a 7-4 loss to the Maple Leafs, the stakes are high for both teams.
Adding to the spectacle, the first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative desk calendar courtesy of Air Canada. But for many, the real story is the lineup shakeup.
Struble, praised for his strong performances last season, now faces the pressure of proving himself in front of a roaring home crowd. Meanwhile, Xhekaj’s absence raises questions about internal dynamics, coaching strategy, and whether the Canadiens are risking chemistry for experimentation.
Jakub Dobes will start in net, as confirmed earlier by Lavoie, while Patrik Laine, Kaiden Guhle, and Jake Evans remain sidelined for treatment—though the medical staff insists there’s no cause for concern.
As the puck drops at 7:00 p.m., all eyes will be on Struble’s return—and on how the Canadiens’ gamble plays out in a game that could define their early season momentum.