The Montreal Canadiens are once again the talk of the NHL rumor mill, and the latest buzz involves a player who has become a massive fan favorite. Rumors are growing louder that defenseman Arber Xhekaj could be on the move. While it might seem unthinkable to trade a player with his unique combination of size, grit, and toughness, the writing may be on the wall.
According to Habs insider Eric Engels, there’s a “good chance” Xhekaj might not be with the team by the NHL trade deadline. This isn’t just smoke; where there’s insider talk like this, there’s usually a fire burning somewhere in the front office.
Why Would the Canadiens Even Consider Trading Xhekaj?
So, why would the Canadiens consider moving a player affectionately known as “WiFi”? The answer lies in a classic case of a numbers game on the blue line and the team’s long-term vision. The Canadiens have a pipeline of promising defensive prospects knocking on the door, most notably David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom. Reinbacher is a crucial piece of Montreal’s future, and the organization will want to give him a taste of NHL action this season. If either he or Engstrom proves ready for a full-time role, someone has to be the odd man out.
Despite his physical, scrappy style endearing him to the Bell Centre faithful, Xhekaj found himself as a healthy scratch multiple times late last season. That alone raises red flags about his standing with the coaching staff and management. While players like Mike Matheson and Jayden Struble have carved out a steady role, Xhekaj’s specific skill set, while valuable, may also make him the most marketable trade chip to another team looking for toughness. His departure would sting for the fanbase, but it could be the strategic move Kent Hughes needs to make to balance the roster for both the present and the future.
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