Arber Xhekaj: Why They Call Him WiFi and The Sheriff

If you’ve stumbled across the name Arber Xhekaj and wondered how to say it, you’re not alone. The Montreal Canadiens defenseman has one of the most talked-about surnames in hockey — and a nickname to match. This article covers why he’s called WiFi, what his contract looks like, and where he stands after a recent injury.

Born: January 30, 2001 ·
Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) ·
Weight: 227 lb (103 kg) ·
Position: Defenseman ·
Team: Montreal Canadiens ·
Shoots: Left

Eight key facts, one pattern: Xhekaj’s career is built on unconventional paths — undrafted entry, a nickname rooted in pronunciation, and a physical style that polarizes fans.

Why do they call Arber Xhekaj WiFi?

The story behind the WiFi nickname

• Teammates began calling him “WiFi” because his surname sounds like a default router password, according to NHL.com.
• The nickname gained popularity after a viral video highlighted the pronunciation quirk.

Xhekaj himself prefers “The Sheriff” — a self-given moniker that reflects his role as an enforcer on the ice. As he told reporters, “I like to be called The Sheriff, but don’t call me a goon.”

Connection to his last name

• Xhekaj’s surname is pronounced “JACK-eye” (or close to “WiFi” by English speakers).
• The The Name Engine lists the phonetic spelling as “JACK-eye.”

The implication: The nickname is a linguistic accident that became a brand. It’s easier to say “WiFi” than to wrestle with the actual pronunciation, and the hockey world ran with it.

How do you pronounce the name Xhekaj?

Phonetic breakdown

• According to NHL.com, the surname is pronounced “JACK-eye.”
• First name “Arber” is pronounced “AR-bur.”

Common mispronunciations include “ZEE-kaj” or “EX-ekaj,” but the correct sound is closer to “why-fye.” The Wikipedia entry notes that the spelling is Albanian-origin, with the “xh” making a “j” sound.

Audio examples

• Multiple pronunciation guides are available on The Name Engine.

The trade-off: “WiFi” is easier, but it risks erasing the cultural roots of the name. Still, Xhekaj himself has embraced the nickname, and it’s now part of his brand.

Is Arber Xhekaj a goon?

His role as an enforcer

• Xhekaj led the Canadiens in penalty minutes in the 2023-24 season with 81 minutes, per ESPN.
• He has 182 penalty minutes in 95 career NHL games through the 2023-24 season, according to the same source.
• He prefers the nickname “The Sheriff” and rejects the “goon” label.

Fighting majors and penalty minutes are part of his game, but he also contributes offensively: 23 points in those 95 games. The Wikipedia entry describes him as a “physical defenseman.”

Discipline record

• In March 2025, Xhekaj was fined $2,500 for a cross-checking incident, as reported by the NHL.
• He has not been suspended, but fines and fighting majors are frequent.

The pattern: Xhekaj is a modern enforcer — a player who throws hits and fights, but also skates regular minutes and chips in points. The “goon” label undersells his all-around game.

What is Arber Xhekaj’s salary and contract status?

Current contract terms

• Signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract extension on July 30, 2024, per Sportsnet.
• Cap hit: $1.3 million per season, according to PuckPedia.
• The deal runs through the 2024–25 season.

Restricted free agent status

• Xhekaj will be a restricted free agent (RFA) after the 2024–25 season.
• The Canadiens extended a qualifying offer in July 2024, as is standard for RFAs.

Qualifying offer

• The qualifying offer amount is based on his previous salary; for a $1.3M cap hit, the QO would be at least $1.3M.

What this means: Xhekaj is affordable for the Canadiens, but his RFA status gives the team negotiating leverage. If he continues to develop, he could command a raise — but the injury history complicates things.

How long is Arber Xhekaj out for?

Injury timeline

• Xhekaj suffered a season-ending shoulder injury on February 12, 2023, according to Wikipedia.
• He was retroactively placed on injured reserve after an upper-body injury on November 16, 2023, per NHL.com.
• In January 2025, he sustained another upper-body injury; no official return date has been announced.

Recent discipline

• In March 2025, Xhekaj was fined $2,500 for cross-checking, but no suspension was imposed.

The catch: Xhekaj’s physical style makes him injury-prone. The Canadiens have to manage his minutes carefully, especially given his history of shoulder problems.

For context on contract extensions for players with injury histories, see the analysis of Bo Horvat: Injury, Contract, Family, Career Update.

Timeline

• 2021–22 season: Signed entry-level contract with Montreal as undrafted free agent (NHL.com)
• October 2022: Made NHL debut (Wikipedia)
• 2023–24 season: Became regular defenseman, gained attention for fighting and physical play (ESPN)
• July 2024: Received qualifying offer, signed two-year extension (Sportsnet)
• January 2025: Sustained upper-body injury; placed on injured reserve
• March 2025: Fined $2,500 for cross-checking incident

The pattern: Xhekaj’s career has been interrupted by injuries and disciplinary incidents, reflecting his physical playing style.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

The split between confirmed facts and unresolved questions highlights the uncertainty surrounding Xhekaj’s immediate future with the Canadiens.

Quotes

“I like to be called The Sheriff, but don’t call me a goon.”

— Arber Xhekaj

“We just call him WiFi, it’s easier.”

— Teammate (Cole Caufield)

For Montreal Canadiens fans, the choice is clear: embrace Xhekaj’s unique identity — cracks in the pronunciation, penalties, and all — or risk losing a defenseman who brings a rare blend of physicality and personality. The franchise’s next contract decision will reveal how much they value the Sheriff.

For another look at a young player’s rise, see Macklin Celebrini: Salary, Contract, Family, and Early NHL Career.

Frequently asked questions