Canadiens Rumors: Update On Trade Rumblings Around Arber Xhekaj

Trade buzz around Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj is growing louder, as teams across the NHL reportedly express keen interest in acquiring the young, hard-hitting blueliner. 

Due to his aggressive style of play, Xhekaj has earned the nickname “The Sheriff” but has seen inconsistent playing time in Montreal’s crowded defense corps. 

Former Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque has publicly suggested that Montreal consider dealing him if he isn’t going to be a fixture in the lineup. 

“If they don’t play him every game, what’s the point of keeping him? There are teams that are interested in him and would be willing to play him regularly in their lineup,” Laraque argued, reflecting Xhekaj’s understandable frustration over his limited role.

I asked @DarrenDreger today about Xhekaj and if he thinks he's part of the Habs future. Here's what he said on the Xhekaj question:

"If Kent Hughes ever decided to put Arber Xhekaj on the trade block, there'd be double-digit teams interested in Arber Xhekaj."

Dreger also went…

— Shaun Starr (@ShaunStarr78) November 1, 2024

The demand for Xhekaj is significant, with TSN’s Darren Dreger confirming that “if Kent Hughes ever decided to put Arber Xhekaj on the trade block, there’d be double-digit teams interested.” 

Despite his appeal, trading Xhekaj is a complex decision for Montreal. While the Canadiens have a strong defensive pipeline featuring young talents like Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson, Xhekaj’s unique physicality sets him apart. 

His affordable $1.3 million cap hit for the next two seasons adds to his value, but insiders caution that Montreal would need a compelling offer to justify parting ways with such a rare asset. 

As Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period pointed out, “You could trade him, but what are you going to get in return? Is it really going to better the organization?”

FIGHT IN THE FINAL SECONDS IN PITTSBURGH 💥

Arber Xhekaj tried to go knee-to-knee, chaos ensued, and Ryan Graves put a HURTING on Jayden Struble pic.twitter.com/tr9WXzXuMY

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 3, 2024

For now, it seems Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is considering the potential returns against Xhekaj’s role in the team’s long-term plans. 

The New York Islanders, who are dealing with an injury to Adam Pelech, have been linked to Xhekaj as a possible fit, given his physical style. 

As of now, it appears unlikely Montreal deals the young defenseman, however.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images