Arber Xhekaj, born on January 30, 2001, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a professional ice hockey defenseman playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). Despite going undrafted, he made a name for himself through perseverance and hard work, earning a contract with the Canadiens in 2021. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $3.77 million, primarily earned through his NHL contracts, performance bonuses, and endorsements.
In this article, we’ll break down Arber Xhekaj’s net worth, income sources, career journey, personal life, family background, and lesser-known facts. Keep reading to learn more about his rise in the hockey world and financial success.
Arber Xhekaj’s Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Arber Xhekaj has an estimated net worth of $3.77 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his NHL contracts, signing bonuses, and incentives.
NHL Salary and Contracts
Xhekaj’s earnings have grown significantly since he entered the NHL:
- In October 2021, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract worth $2.485 million, which included a $21,000 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $828,333.
- In July 2024, he secured a two-year, $2.6 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens, earning him an average salary of $1.3 million per year.
- His current contract guarantees his salary through the 2024-25 and 2025-26 NHL seasons, further increasing his financial standing.
Breakdown of Arber Xhekaj’s Net Worth & Earnings
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $3.77 million |
| Primary Income | Professional Ice Hockey (NHL) |
| Current Contract | 2-year, $2.6 million (2024-26) |
| Annual Salary | $1.3 million |
| Signing Bonus | $21,000 (from entry-level contract) |
| Performance Bonuses | Varies based on performance incentives |
Xhekaj’s rapid rise in the NHL and his physical playing style have made him a valuable asset for the Montreal Canadiens, ensuring a stable financial future.
Arber Xhekaj’s Short Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arber Xhekaj |
| Profession | Ice Hockey Player (Defenseman) |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 2001 |
| Age (2025) | 24 years old |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | 240 pounds (109 kg) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
Early Life and Hockey Career
Arber Xhekaj was born in Hamilton, Ontario, to parents of Albanian and Czech descent. His father, Jack, is from Kosovo, and his mother, Simona, is from Czechia. The couple met after immigrating to Canada in the 1990s.
Amateur and Junior Hockey
- Xhekaj was not drafted in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, which almost led him to quit hockey.
- He continued playing with the St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL), earning a training camp invite from the Kitchener Rangers in 2018.
- He played in the OHL for the Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs, winning the 2022 J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Bulldogs.
NHL Career
- Xhekaj went undrafted in the 2020 and 2021 NHL drafts but impressed the Montreal Canadiens at their training camp in 2021.
- He signed an entry-level contract and made his NHL debut on October 12, 2022.
- His physical presence and fighting ability made him a fan favorite.
- He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in February 2023 but returned strong in 2024.
- On April 9, 2025, he underwent another surgery, affecting his playing time.
Family and Relationships
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Jack Xhekaj | Father (Kosovo) |
| Simona Xhekaj | Mother (Czechia) |
| Florian Xhekaj | Younger Brother (Hockey Player) |
- Xhekaj’s younger brother, Florian, was drafted 101st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2023 and currently plays for their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
- Xhekaj worked at Costco during the COVID-19 pandemic when the OHL season was canceled.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | 240 pounds (109 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Tattoos | No |
Lesser-Known Facts About Arber Xhekaj
- He was undrafted in both the OHL and NHL, proving his determination.
- His teammates call him “Wi-Fi” because his last name resembles a router’s password.
- Xhekaj was working at Costco before signing with the Canadiens.
- He became the first NHL player with a last name starting with ‘X’.
- He is known for his tough, physical playstyle and frequent fights.
- His younger brother, Florian, is also a promising hockey player.
- Xhekaj was a key enforcer for the Canadiens, leading the team in penalty minutes.
- He was suspended twice in the OHL for his aggressive style.
- Despite his tough reputation, he is described as a humble and friendly person off the ice.
- He has an impressive fight record, with 12 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws in the NHL.
FAQs About Arber Xhekaj
Q: What is Arber Xhekaj’s net worth in 2025?
A: As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $3.77 million.
Q: How much does Arber Xhekaj earn per year?
A: His current contract earns him an annual salary of $1.3 million.
Q: What is Arber Xhekaj’s height and weight?
A: He is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds.
Q: What is Arber Xhekaj’s nickname?
A: His teammates call him “Wi-Fi” due to his last name’s complexity.
Q: Did Arber Xhekaj get drafted?
A: No, he was undrafted in both the OHL and NHL before signing with the Canadiens.
Q: Who is Arber Xhekaj’s brother?
A: His brother, Florian Xhekaj, plays for the Laval Rocket (AHL).
Q: What injury did Arber Xhekaj suffer in 2025?
A: He had season-ending surgery in April 2025.
Conclusion
Arber Xhekaj’s journey from undrafted to NHL success is truly inspiring. His net worth of $3.77 million reflects his hard work, and with his two-year contract extension, he is set to increase his earnings even further. Keep an eye on “Wi-Fi” as he continues making a mark in the NHL!
