Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj is the subject of active trade interest as the club enters a critical offseason window. According to reporting by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, multiple NHL teams have contacted Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes to inquire about the availability of the 25-year-old blueliner. This development comes as Montreal manages a roster logjam and prepares for upcoming contract negotiations, including an arbitration hearing for forward Kirby Dach set for July 30.
Trade Market Interest in Arber Xhekaj
The interest in Xhekaj is not a new phenomenon. In March, ahead of the trade deadline, the Montreal Gazette reported that the Calgary Flames had identified Xhekaj as a potential target. While no deal materialized at that time, his status remains fluid as the Canadiens evaluate their defensive depth.
The primary driver for a potential move is the internal competition on the Montreal blue line. With six defensemen from the 2025-26 roster already under contract for the upcoming season, the club is also looking to integrate prospects. David Reinbacher, the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and Maksymilian Szuber—acquired from the Utah Mammoth in June—are both vying for roster spots. Throughout the previous season, Xhekaj’s standing within the lineup appeared to shift, notably during the Eastern Conference Final where he was a healthy scratch in favor of Jayden Struble.
Did you know?
Arber Xhekaj has become a coveted asset due to his physical style of play and penalty-killing utility. While he is not classified as a top-four defenseman, his role as a bottom-pairing specialist makes him a low-risk, high-value acquisition for teams looking to bolster their defensive depth.
Projecting Potential Landing Spots
For teams looking to add defensive grit, the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues emerge as logical fits based on available salary cap space as of mid-July. According to PuckPedia, Columbus holds approximately $23.27 million in cap space, while St. Louis sits at $11.11 million and Nashville at $7.54 million.
Although these clubs have ongoing contract negotiations with key restricted free agents—such as Adam Fantilli and Jet Greaves in Columbus and Connor McMichael in St. Louis—their current financial flexibility allows them to absorb a contract for Xhekaj. AFP Analytics projects that Xhekaj’s next contract will likely be a one-year deal valued at $1.482 million.
Market Value and Return Expectations
If the Canadiens decide to move the defenseman, industry expectations suggest a modest return. Given his role as a depth piece, analysts anticipate a mid-round draft pick—specifically in the fourth or fifth round—would be the likely compensation. The Canadiens are currently in a position to remain patient, as they are under no immediate pressure to finalize a trade before the start of training camp in mid-September.
Pro Tip:
When tracking NHL trade rumors, focus on teams with significant cap space that are entering the final stages of their RFA signings. A team with a surplus of cap room is more likely to entertain a trade for a depth player once their primary roster commitments are secured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Arber Xhekaj being linked to trade rumors?
According to reports from The Fourth Period, multiple teams have inquired about Xhekaj. This interest is fueled by the Canadiens’ defensive depth and the team’s need to make room for emerging prospects like David Reinbacher and Maksymilian Szuber.
What is the projected cost of a new contract for Xhekaj?
AFP Analytics projects that Xhekaj’s next contract will be a one-year deal worth approximately $1.482 million.
What could the Canadiens receive in a potential trade?
If the Canadiens opt to trade Xhekaj, the expected return is a mid-round draft pick, typically in the fourth or fifth round.
Which teams have the cap space to acquire him?
As of mid-July, the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators possess sufficient cap space to facilitate a trade for Xhekaj, according to PuckPedia data.
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