Canadiens Receiving Surprising Trade Offers For Arber Xhekaj

The Montreal Canadiens look very promising on the back-end for the future, but with that comes the inevitability that they cannot hold onto all of their young defenseman forever. They are already experiencing having to send certain players to the minors to get more playing time, and that's without David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, and more in the NHL yet.

One defenseman in particular that teams have been showing increasing interest in is Arber Xhekaj. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said that, "teams have not only called the Montreal Canadiens about rugged defenseman Arber Xhekaj, but some have also pitched offers. In fact, word is the Habs received an offer..." This offer included a young NHL forward and a former first round pick with second line potential. The Canadiens reportedly declined.

This is a big price to pay, but Xhekaj's physicality and style of play is scarce in the league and he is still young. As a defenseman, he still has lots of growing to do and could reach a whole new level in a few seasons. It is surprising that the Canadiens didn't jump on the deal since they are in need of forwards more than defenseman and it would make perfect sense.

Either it wasn't the right players being offered or they Canadiens still want to see what they have in Xhekaj before moving on from him so soon when it isn't urgent just yet. They still have the remainder of the season to get a real good look at him before more defenseman push for NHL spots.