Teams Are Calling the Canadiens About This Physical Defenseman

While the preference would be to get an extension signed, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly fielding trade interest in restricted free agent defenseman Arber Xhekaj. According to insider David Pagnotta, who reported as much on “Leafs Morning Take”, teams have been calling.

---

At 6-foot-4 and known for his physicality and willingness to protect teammates, Xhekaj is exactly the type of player that tends to draw outside interest — a left-shot defenseman still developing, but already bringing a rare combination of size and toughness to Montreal’s back end. There are good and bad things about his game, but there is potential there that clubs see. It makes sense that teams would be kicking tires.

Despite the rumors, there’s no clear indication Montreal is actively shopping him. Canadiens president Jeff Gorton addressed the situation directly, saying, “We’ve already had conversations with Arber himself when he left Montreal for the summer. I feel pretty confident that all our guys will continue good conversations. Right now it’s the draft, kind of concentrate on that, and then we’ll turn the page in a few days.”

Notably, Xhekaj didn’t file for salary arbitration, which is often viewed as a sign that a resolution between player and team could be close. Sportsnet’s Eric Engels echoed that sentiment, suggesting there isn’t any real reason for fans to be concerned about the situation escalating toward a trade.

The Canadiens Moving Xhekaj Is Not a Given

So while rival teams calling to check on availability isn’t unusual around this point in the offseason — especially for a player with Xhekaj’s physical profile — it doesn’t necessarily mean Montreal is inclined to move him. The more likely outcome, based on current reporting, appears to be a new contract rather than a trade, with the Canadiens focused on locking down the defenseman, and not letting him go.

All that said, Kent Hughes is a smart GM. If the offer is there and it’s too good to pass up, Xkekaj could be traded. Hughes isn’t afraid of making moves.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Sabres, Maple Leafs & Canadiens Win Offseason?