The Montreal Canadiens have a young and highly sought-after defenseman in who has attracted widespread interest across the NHL. Despite this, the Canadiens reportedly have no plans to trade him, according to NHLRumors. However, Montreal’s crowded blue line could potentially lead them to consider a trade involving Xhekaj, fueling speculation early in the season. As reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger on November 1, Xhekaj’s strong appeal has garnered interest from “double-digit” teams in the league. Dreger emphasized that the interest extends beyond teams that need a backup or depth defenseman, highlighting Xhekaj’s versatility and value.
Dennis Bernstein from The Fourth Period echoed the high demand for Xhekaj, noting his appealing attributes: he’s young, cost-effective, has a physical edge, and brings a level of grit not commonly found in today’s NHL defensemen. Despite this, Bernstein raised doubts about the potential return for Xhekaj if he were to be traded. He suggested that Montreal might only receive a mid-round draft pick in return, questioning whether that would be worth moving such a promising young player. “What’s the point?” Bernstein asked, implying that Montreal might not get enough value back to justify the trade.
Hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman added his perspective on Monday, advising the Canadiens to be cautious with trades involving young assets. He emphasized that Montreal should avoid rushing any deals during this critical phase of their rebuild, as hasty decisions could lead to regrettable outcomes down the line. Friedman cautioned, “Montreal is in a danger zone now,” stressing the importance of making well-considered choices that support the team’s long-term goals.
Currently, the Canadiens find themselves at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings with just nine points through their first 12 games, holding a 4-7-1 record. This rough start underscores the need for Montreal to focus on their rebuilding strategy, rather than making impulsive roster changes. Patience appears to be the advice from experts, who believe the Canadiens should carefully evaluate the benefits of holding onto their young talent like Xhekaj as they navigate the rebuilding process.
For now, Xhekaj remains a member of the Canadiens, but with considerable league-wide interest, his status will be a storyline to watch as the season progresses and Montreal considers its long-term strategy for a successful rebuild.
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