Canadiens: Xhekaj Brothers' Gift to Their Dad

When a young Arber Xhekaj signed an entry-level contract in October 2021 after going to camp as an undrafted free agent, it was quite an accomplishment and no one would have blamed the rookie for splashing out on something for himself. That's not what Xhekaj did though, he took part of his signing bonus and bought new appliances for his mom and dad.

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His parents are hard working people who immigrated to Canada in the 1990s. His father is a welder for National Steel Car while his mother works in a Costco changing tires. Early in his career, Xhekaj said he wanted to make money in the NHL so his parents could retire and it sure looks like he meant it.

The elder Xhekaj was signed to a two-year deal by Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes this offseason. The pact has a $2.6 M value and he clearly doesn't intend to spend all that money on himself. Yesterday, Simona Xhekaj took to X to show the world what her boys had just bought their dad, a brand new Mercedes car.

According to the post, the younger Xhekaj brother Florian was also in on the present. The Xhekaj's second son was drafted by the Canadiens in the fourth-round of the 2023 draft, No. 101 overall. After the selection, the scouting team made it clear that on top of his performances as a player, the fact the organization knows the family and his brother factored into the decision.

The younger Xhekaj was signed to an entry-level deal at the end of June. The three-year contract will see him earn $2.6 M and he did received a $95,000 signing bonus. Judging by Mama Xhekaj's post, he decided to follow in his brother's footsteps.

Related: Canadiens: Arber Xhekaj Signs Two-Year Contract

Turns out the Xhekajs are gritty players who like to protect their teammates, but they are also stand-up young men who know they got where they are thanks to their parents and their eager to thank them for it.

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