Calgary Flames
Flames In Or Out on a Trade with the Canadiens for Arber Xhekaj?
The Calgary Flames join the Philadelphia Flyers as a potential suitor for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. Are they in or out?
The Calgary Flames have reportedly joined the Philadelphia Flyers as a potential suitor for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj — but are they actually a serious threat to land him, or just another name in a crowded rumor mill? There are reports suggesting that the Flames are in, but others suggest they were, but no longer are.
The Case for “In”: Why Wouldn’t The Flames Want Xhekaj?
Calgary’s interest isn’t new. According to Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette, the Flames have had their eye on Xhekaj since as far back as the March trade deadline. That’s a long runway of interest, and it suggests Calgary sees something specific in the 6-foot-4, 240-pound restricted free agent.
And why not? While he’s had some trouble cementing himself into a consistent role on a stacked Canadiens’ blue line, he’s still got a lot to offer as a physical, defensively sound blueliner who fits the mold of what a lot of teams are chasing on the trade market right now.
The Case for “Out”: They Found Another Option
The complication is timing. Recent reporting suggests Calgary’s pursuit may have cooled following its acquisition of Jake Middleton from the Minnesota Wild as part of the Blake Coleman trade. Middleton fills a similar physical, stay-at-home role on the left side, which could mean the Flames no longer have the same roster need — or the same appetite to spend assets — on a player like Xhekaj.
There’s also the not-so-small fact that the Canadiens aren’t just giving Xhekaj away. If they’re going to move on from the defenseman, they want a solid return. Enough teams would be interested that GM Kent Hughes could command a solid return. It’s not a no-risk trade.
Regardless of Calgary’s level of interest, the Canadiens are in an interesting spot. Xhekaj wants to stay, and the organization has said it wants to keep him — but Montreal’s defense corps is deep, and depth creates trade value whether a team intends to use it or not.
Calgary Appears Out… For Now
Right now, Calgary looks more “lukewarm” than “in.” The interest is real and well-documented, but the Middleton addition gives the Flames the flexibility to stop pursuing this if they don’t want to pay the asking price. That doesn’t rule Calgary out entirely — teams often keep multiple options open at once — but it does suggest Philadelphia, or another team altogether, may currently have a clearer path if Montreal decides to move him.
Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens & Oilers Surprise Trade Win
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