Arber Xhekaj is suddenly facing an uncertain Montreal future as Martin St-Louis prepares his blue line for another season.
The Canadiens defenseman remains without a contract, while Montreal still controls his rights. Now the bigger question is whether a new deal is even the organization's preferred outcome.
Jeff Marek added fuel to the situation during the DFO Rundown, indicating that Montreal may be looking at moving Xhekaj rather than simply bringing him back.
Asked about that possibility, Marek didn't dance around the subject. “Yes, I believe they are considering that possibility,” he said.
Marek also pointed directly to what Montreal would lose if Xhekaj leaves. “It's unfortunate for the fans who love him, and he brings an element of toughness while also being loved by his teammates,” he added.
That locker-room element matters. Xhekaj has built his identity around physical play and confrontation, giving St-Louis an option that changes the feel of Montreal's blue line.
Montreal faces a real Arber Xhekaj decision
Jason Gregor pushed back on the idea of moving him, questioning whether the Canadiens really want to subtract that type of presence from their roster.
The Atlantic Division offers plenty of heavy hockey, especially when Montreal runs into teams such as the Florida Panthers. Losing Xhekaj would remove one of the Canadiens' most willing physical defenders.
There's also the internal competition to consider. Montreal's blue line has become crowded, and that can squeeze a player even when his skill set remains different from the rest of the group.
Florian Xhekaj has been mentioned as someone who could eventually provide a similar edge, but expecting him to immediately replace his older brother's NHL role would be a major leap.
That puts Kent Hughes in an interesting position. Montreal can keep Arber Xhekaj and preserve a unique element on defense, or use the market to see what that element is worth in a trade.
For St-Louis, the decision would have a direct lineup consequence. Moving Xhekaj wouldn't only create another opening on the blue line; it would change the identity and physical balance of the group.
The Canadiens don't need to make every decision around toughness. But if Xhekaj is moved, replacing what he brings could become much harder than simply filling his spot on the lineup card.
Should the Canadiens trade Arber Xhekaj?
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