Arber Xhekaj’s mom Simona beams with pride as D-man signs extension (Picture Credits: IMAGN)

It was a proud moment for Simona, as her son, Arber Xhekaj, signed a new contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. The deal is for two years and totals $2.6 million, with an annual average value of $1.3 million.

Xhekaj’s mother was bursting with pride as her son inked a new deal with the Habs. She hopped onto X/Twitter to share her joy for the occasion, and wrote:

“And…..the story of XHEKAJ family continues. Proud is understatement. Day by day, step by step, one game at the time. “If you believe, you achieve ” Always in your corner @ArberXhekaj,” the Habs defenseman’s mom wrote on X.

Xhekaj’s mom shared multiple posts on X. In one post, as the 23-year-old was being interviewed by the club following the contract extension. She mentioned that she was busy cooking breakfast for her two sons while it was all happening.

“This happening while mom is cooking big boys breakfast, wrote Simona Xhekaj on X.”

 

Meanwhile, the Canadiens also inked defenseman Justin Barron to a two-year, $2.3 million deal on Tuesday. The contract carries an AAV of $1.15 million.

Arber Xhekaj on signing new deal with the Canadiens

Before finalizing the contract, Arber Xhekaj was a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old defenseman talked about his transition and growth with all the years he’s played with the Canadiens.

Despite the rapid pace of events, Xhekaj emphasized his gratitude for the years spent playing and the valuable experiences that have contributed to his current position and growth.

“It’s been like a flash; I don’t even know how to look back,” Xhekaj said (via NHL.com). “To already be going into my third year and off of my entry-level (contract), it’s like, ‘Where did the time go?’ Things happen pretty fast, but I’m definitely grateful for all the years I’ve played and I’m just grateful for what I’ve experienced to become where I am today.”

Xhekaj joined the Canadiens as a free agent after the club signed him three years ago. Last term, he notched up 10 points through three goals and seven assists in 44 regular season games.

Overall, the 23-year-old has appeared in 95 games, racking up 23 points through eight goals and 15 assists in his brief two-year NHL career.