Despite the losses and the rebuilding phase, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie in the Montreal Canadiens’ locker room. The same holds true in Laval, and it has certainly helped Arber Xhekaj since he was demoted.

The sheriff has often engaged in banter with his teammates, notably Cole Caufield. Whether on or off the ice, it was always amusing to watch them.

Now, the giant-sized defenseman is bringing the same dynamic to his Rocket teammates. He playfully sparred with Xavier Simoneau and Jakub Dobes during a practice session.

The images are circulating on the web, showcasing the strong team spirit and how much Xhekaj is appreciated in the locker room and on the ice.

It’s also a testament to his maturity. He could have gone to Laval and sulked, but no. He’s working on the aspects the team asked him to improve, enjoying his time with teammates, without complaining about his situation.