Montreal Canadiens sign Oliver Kapanen | Is Barron the odd-man out? | How much should Xhekaj be paid

Inside the latest Locked on Canadiens
Oliver Kapanen has officially signed his entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens and will be joining the team for camp in September! Scott breaks down his rise this season in Finland, while also explaining why Kapanen will not be a member of the Laval Rocket this year.
After that it's a pair of player reviews for two defencemen who are looking to truly stake their claim on a roster spot this upcoming season.
First up is Justin Barron, who has shown flashes of being a regular, everyday NHL defender in his time with Montreal. However he has shown some truly frustrating hiccups as he continues to develop parts of his game. Is Barron potentially the odd-man out with the sudden rise of Jayden Struble?
Lastly is Arber Xhekaj, arguably one of the most popular and somewhat polarizing players in the Habs system. After spending some time in the AHL this year it looked a lot like Xhekaj had turned the corner before another shoulder surgery shut him down for the season. Coming into contract discussions this year, has he done enough for a long-term extension?
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[@russellsmith4195]

Hello great Show I do think that, it has been years Since Canadian s have had a tough Person in the back end. Arber has to make his presence known I think we have to give him time.

[@PeterPinsonnault-yl3ib]

Xejak is a unicorn his value will be magnified in the playoffs.

[@realmiltonbradley8365]

Let's go ! A Live 👋 Scott

[@TonyL349]

People forget he’s still only 22…

[@PeterPinsonnault-yl3ib]

Barron will get a long look with the habs this year a trade would be premature.

[@MrSebby08]

I’m not convinced Hutson will start in the NHL. Wouldn’t be surprised if he starts with Laval paired up with Reinbacher.

[@MrSebby08]

Matheson-Guhle Struble-Savard Xhekaj-Mailloux Harris-Kovacevic Hutson-Reinbacher Trudeau-Barron

[@TonyL349]

Arber will get 1 million for a year….

[@XhekajFacePunch]

I would love to see Xhekaj here long-term, however it happens. His intangibles are great but he actually plays decent hockey. He's hard to find and clearly in high demand - for good reason.

[@adrianboom6879]

is Emille Heineman now a footnote in the annals of Canadien history? How did he go from brilliant in the spring of 2023 to a dud in 23/24?

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Great adds. Thanks and goodbye