Arber Xhekaj has carved out a unique role under Martin St-Louis, but Owen Protz is giving the Canadiens another physical option on the blue line.
Protz was acquired by the Canadiens in Las Vegas at the 2024 NHL draft.
Xhekaj's rise remains one of Montreal's best development stories. He went from an undrafted long shot fighting to stay at camp to becoming a recognizable presence at the Bell Centre.
That path matters now because Protz is entering camp with several of the same tools that helped Xhekaj force his way into the NHL conversation.
The Canadiens selected Protz in the fourth round, 102nd overall, in 2024. At 20, the Brantford Bulldogs defenseman already carries a reputation built around physical pressure and intensity.
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He finished last season in the OHL with 84 penalty minutes and a +45 rating. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, he has the frame to make opponents uncomfortable around the boards and in front of the crease.
That doesn't make Protz another Xhekaj overnight. But Montreal appears to have identified a prospect capable of eventually filling the same type of role if its blue line changes.
Owen Protz faces a much tougher path
The biggest difference is the competition. Xhekaj found an opening and made himself difficult for the coaching staff to send away, while Protz enters a much more crowded defensive picture.
David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom are also pushing for NHL work. Both bring different elements, which means Protz can't simply be solid throughout camp.
His advantage is that he doesn't need to copy their games. Protz can separate himself by giving Martin St-Louis something different: edge, pressure, hard defending and a willingness to make every shift uncomfortable.
That's the same formula that gave Xhekaj value when Montreal first gave him a real opportunity. He brought an identity the Canadiens didn't have enough of, then forced the coaches to keep watching.
Protz now has a chance to create that same problem. If he makes an impression early, Montreal could suddenly have another young defenseman capable of handling the tougher, heavier assignments.
There may not be room immediately. But development isn't always about winning a roster spot on opening night.
For Protz, this camp can establish where he stands in Montreal's defensive hierarchy and whether the Canadiens view him as a legitimate future replacement for Xhekaj's role.
Xhekaj once arrived as the unexpected option. Now Protz has the chance to become the next one.
Can Owen Protz eventually replace Arber Xhekaj in Montreal?
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