Bulldogs acquire Hamilton-born Montreal Canadiens prospect Arber Xhekaj
Published January 6, 2022 at 5:01 pm
The Hamilton Bulldogs announced Thursday (Jan. 6) that they have acquired Hamilton-born defenseman Arber Xhekaj from the Kitchener Rangers. In return, the Rangers received forward Navrin Mutter, two 2nd round draft picks (2022, 2025), two 3rd rounders (2023, 2024), and a conditional 4th (2023).
Mutter, 20, won an OHL Championship with the Bulldogs in 2018. He has five goals and one assist in 23 games this season for Hamilton.
Xhekaj, 20, has six goals and 11 assists in 18 games this season. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound defenseman took part in Montreal Canadiens training camp in 2021 after signing a three-year deal with the NHL club.
Xhekaj was suspended by the Ontario Hockey League last month for three games for his actions after an on-ice fight. Xhekaj connected with a fierce right hand that knocked Owen Sound Attack captain Mark Woolley off his skates. Woolley was dazed and had to be helped off the ice and missed the next three games.
After the fight, Xhekaj celebrated by putting his hands together and pretending to sleep — seemingly mocking Woolley while he lay on the ice.
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