Canadiens Need to Consider Trading Arber Xhekaj

Arber Xhekaj has become one of the most popular players on the Montreal Canadiens’ roster since making his NHL debut. His physical style, willingness to stand up for teammates, and underdog story have made him a fan favourite at the Bell Centre. However, hockey decisions are rarely based on popularity alone. As Xhekaj remains without a new contract, questions have started to emerge about whether the Canadiens could eventually consider moving him, especially with several young defensemen pushing for NHL jobs.

Contract Talks

Unlike some of Montreal’s other restricted free agents, Xhekaj has yet to sign a new contract. That doesn’t necessarily mean a trade is imminent, but it does create some uncertainty. The Canadiens have several important contracts to manage over the coming years, and Kent Hughes has shown that he won’t hesitate to make difficult decisions if he believes they improve the organization in the long run. Xhekaj has established himself as a valuable bottom-pair defenseman who brings a unique physical element, but he is also coming off a season where he wasn’t an everyday player throughout the playoffs.

If negotiations become more complicated than expected, Hughes could decide that moving Xhekaj while his value remains high is the better long-term decision. Every NHL team is looking for size and toughness on the back end, and there would likely be no shortage of interest in a 6-foot-4 defenseman who can fight, throw big hits, and has shown flashes of offensive ability.

A Crowded Blue Line

Perhaps the biggest reason to consider a trade has nothing to do with Xhekaj himself. It has everything to do with the Canadiens’ organizational depth on defense. Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, Mike Matheson, Alexandre Carrier and Jayden Struble already occupy NHL spots, while David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom appear ready to challenge for full-time roles. Both players have continued to develop with the Laval Rocket and project as important pieces of Montreal’s future.

Reinbacher still carries top-four potential and needs NHL ice time to continue his development. Engstrom also took significant steps forward last season, showing he may be ready to contribute at the highest level. At some point, the Canadiens will have to create room for those young players. Keeping everyone simply isn’t realistic. If Hughes believes Reinbacher and Engstrom are ready to become everyday NHL defensemen, someone from the current group could become expendable. Xhekaj’s combination of age, affordability, and league-wide appeal could make him one of Montreal’s most attractive trade assets.

Reasons To Keep Him

Of course, trading Xhekaj wouldn’t be an easy decision. Players with his skill set are becoming increasingly difficult to find. He provides an intimidating presence that very few Canadiens can match, protects teammates without hesitation, and has become an emotional leader despite still being early in his NHL career.

He has also improved his defensive play since entering the league. While his physicality often grabs the headlines, his decision-making with the puck and positioning have steadily progressed. In addition, injuries happen every season. The Canadiens know better than anyone how quickly defensive depth can disappear. Having eight NHL-calibre defensemen is rarely a bad problem to have, especially for a team with playoff aspirations.

It’s also worth remembering that Reinbacher and Engstrom are still young. There is no guarantee either player immediately establishes himself as a full-time NHL regular. Trading away experienced depth too early could leave Montreal exposed if one of those prospects needs more time.

Whether Xhekaj signs a new contract or eventually gets traded, this situation will be one of the more interesting storylines to watch as the offseason continues. For now, there is no indication that a trade is close. But until Xhekaj signs his next contract, speculation will continue. With one of the deepest defensive prospect pools in the NHL, the Canadiens have options, and that makes this a situation worth keeping an eye on throughout the remainder of the offseason.