Arber Xhekaj remains on Philadelphia's radar, giving Martin St-Louis another blue-line decision before the season opens.
David Pagnotta reports that the Flyers have been interested in Xhekaj for the past couple of years and that the interest remains active.
That doesn't confirm an offer or suggest a deal is close. It does show Philadelphia hasn't moved on from a defenseman whose style fits the organization's identity.
Xhekaj brings size, edge and a willingness to defend teammates. He can change the temperature of a game without needing top-pair minutes or heavy power-play usage.
For Montreal, that role still carries value. The Canadiens have built a younger defense, but few players bring the same physical presence around the crease and along the boards.
The question for Kent Hughes is whether Xhekaj remains more useful in Montreal than the return Philadelphia is prepared to offer.
" David Pagnotta: Re Arber Xhekaj/Canadiens: Philadelphia...they've had interest him for the last couple of years, still the case now - DFO Rundown (7/22) "
-
New Arber Xhekaj trade development puts the Flyers in the spotlight
Daniel Briere has spent years reshaping the Flyers around younger players, pace and a harder identity. Xhekaj would give Rick Tocchet another direct, confrontational option on the blue line.
Philadelphia's continued interest also gives Montreal leverage. Hughes doesn't need to move Xhekaj, and repeated calls from the same club could eventually push the offer higher.
But the Canadiens must also consider deployment. If Xhekaj enters camp behind several defensemen and faces another season of inconsistent minutes, his trade value could become harder to manage.
St-Louis has to decide whether there's a stable role available. A rotating assignment or frequent healthy scratches would only restart questions about Xhekaj's future.
The Flyers can offer a different path. Tocchet could use him in a bottom-pair role built around defensive-zone work, physical pressure and protecting the front of the net.
Montreal shouldn't make this move simply because Philadelphia keeps calling. Xhekaj carries an element that becomes harder to replace once games tighten and opponents attack the crease.
Still, sustained interest matters. The Flyers clearly see something worth pursuing, and Hughes now knows there may be a serious trade partner if Montreal decides its crowded blue line needs room.
Should the Montreal Canadiens trade Arber Xhekaj to Philadelphia?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
John Chayka is about to land major 3-time Norris trophy winner in blockbuster move, per report
