The NHL offseason could be heating up with a potential blockbuster trade on the horizon. NHL trade rumors suggest the New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens might be working on a deal with big implications for both franchises.
The Rumored Deal
The proposed trade would see the Devils ship young scoring prospect Alexander Holtz to the Canadiens in exchange for power forward Josh Anderson, physical defenseman Arber Xhekaj, and a 2025 second-round pick (originally belonging to the Pittsburgh Penguins).
Why the Devils Do It
The Devils have a strong, young core, but they could benefit from an injection of size and grit. Josh Anderson checks those boxes, and the power forward might find a spark playing alongside a dynamic playmaker like Jack Hughes. Additionally, the addition of Xhekaj adds a defenseman who plays with a physical edge. The second-round pick further sweetens the pot and adds to their draft capital and taking on Anderson’s contract.
Why the Canadiens Do It
Montreal is in full rebuild mode, and this deal accelerates that process. They move on from Anderson’s hefty contract and add a former first-round pick in Holtz who has the potential to be an impact scorer. Losing Xhekaj stings for their passionate fanbase, but it’s a move that prioritizes the future.
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Arber Xhekaj is so much more than a defenseman, he is a leader, team player and a beating heart. Montreal and Hughes have lost sight of what made Montreal great, it was the workers and the grinders and the talented supporting actors in their very successful play. Think of all the people that you think of as Legends, then think of the people they played beside and with. Give your head a shake!
This is not an option… Xhekaj is untouchable… If you want to trade a young D, than use Harris, Struble, or Barron – but Xhekaj is here for the long haul
No way montreal goes for it arber is an important physical present that montreal does have a lot of.