The latest Arber Xhekaj trade rumor is more than recycled offseason speculation, but it also does not mean the Montreal Canadiens are preparing to move him. NHL insider David Pagnotta reports that teams have expressed interest in trading for the physical defenceman, with the Philadelphia Flyers identified as one organization that continues to have Xhekaj on its radar. The important part of the update, however, is that nothing appears imminent.
Montreal still values what Xhekaj brings to its lineup. The Canadiens have not found an offer compelling enough to make them sacrifice one of the NHL’s most intimidating young defenders, and Pagnotta’s reporting suggests another team would have to convince Kent Hughes to change his position. That is a very different situation from the Canadiens actively shopping Xhekaj.
My read is that Montreal is listening because responsible general managers listen on almost everyone. Hughes is learning how the league values Xhekaj while simultaneously negotiating a new contract. Unless another club offers a meaningful roster upgrade, I believe the most likely outcome remains a new agreement with the Canadiens.
Why NHL Teams Keep Calling the Montreal Canadiens About Arber Xhekaj
Arber Xhekaj is difficult to evaluate through traditional point totals. He recorded one goal and three assists in 65 regular-season games in 2025-26, but he also delivered 178 hits and accumulated 116 penalty minutes. He added two points and finished plus-five in 13 playoff appearances. Those numbers describe a player whose value is based on physical influence, deterrence and momentum-changing shifts rather than offence.
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Xhekaj can defend either side, clear the front of the net and make opponents think twice before targeting Montreal’s skilled players. He is also only 25 years old. Teams looking for sandpaper do not have many comparable options who are young enough to remain part of the lineup for several seasons.
Philadelphia’s continued interest makes sense. The Flyers have historically valued physical hockey, and Xhekaj would give them a younger, less expensive player who can alter the emotional temperature of a game. Still, interest should not be confused with an advanced negotiation. Pagnotta specifically indicated that there was nothing imminent on the trade front.
Why Montreal Has Not Traded Arber Xhekaj
The Canadiens understand that replacing Xhekaj would not be as simple as promoting another defenceman. Montreal has talented young options such as David Reinbacher and Adam Engström, but neither brings the same combination of size, intimidation and willingness to defend teammates.
Xhekaj’s playoff usage does create a legitimate question. He averaged only 8:06 per game over 13 postseason appearances, suggesting Martin St. Louis did not view him as a player who could consistently handle major minutes in every matchup. At the same time, Xhekaj produced a goal, an assist, and 45 hits during that playoff run. Montreal must decide whether his specialized impact is valuable enough to justify a permanent roster position.
Personally, I would not trade Xhekaj simply to clear a defensive logjam. Players with his profile often become more valuable in the playoffs, when space disappears, and opponents target skilled players after the whistle. The Canadiens should only consider moving him if he becomes a meaningful piece in a package for a legitimate top-six forward.
Arber Xhekaj Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 230 | 10 | 23 | 33 | -24 |
| Playoffs | 16 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
Our Arber Xhekaj Trade-Value Model
The following is a model created for this analysis.
| Category | Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Age and team control | 18/20 | A 25-year-old restricted free agent who can remain under team control. |
| Physical impact | 19/20 | Size, hitting, fighting ability and lineup deterrence are difficult to replace. |
| Positional scarcity | 17/20 | Few available defencemen combine his age, size and NHL experience. |
| Usage and reliability | 12/20 | Limited minutes and matchup usage reduce his value as an everyday top-four defender. |
| Contract leverage | 13/20 | His unsigned RFA status creates uncertainty, although Montreal retains negotiating control. |
| Total trade-value score | 79/100 | A valuable specialist who should only be moved in a hockey trade, not for a routine draft pick. |
What Could an Arber Xhekaj Contract Cost Montreal?
Xhekaj’s previous contract carried a $1.3 million average annual value. He is now an unsigned restricted free agent and remains eligible to receive an offer sheet. Montreal had approximately $9.78 million in projected cap space in PuckPedia’s July 28 roster snapshot, giving Hughes enough room to complete a bridge contract without creating an immediate cap problem.
| Editorial Scenario | Estimated AAV | Remaining Projected Cap Space |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost bridge | $1.80 million | $7.98 million |
| Middle bridge | $2.25 million | $7.53 million |
| Expanded-role bridge | $2.75 million | $7.03 million |
These are original salary-cap scenarios rather than reported contract demands. The calculations also assume no other roster transactions. In every scenario, Montreal would retain enough flexibility to carry Xhekaj and continue exploring another addition.
Will the Montreal Canadiens Trade Arber Xhekaj?
I believe Xhekaj is more likely to sign with the Canadiens than be traded before the season. Montreal is not facing a cap crisis, and the club would have difficulty replacing his physical identity internally. The Flyers or another interested team would probably have to offer either a young NHL forward with top-six potential or include Xhekaj in a larger trade that directly improves Montreal’s offence.
A second-round pick by itself would not be enough for me. Draft picks are valuable, but Montreal has moved beyond the stage where every useful roster player should be converted into another future asset. The Canadiens are trying to win, and Xhekaj offers something that could matter against heavier playoff opponents.
The latest update also confirms that the earlier reports of league-wide interest were directionally accurate. Teams are still interested, Philadelphia remains connected to the defenceman and contract negotiations remain unresolved. However, there is still no public evidence of an accepted offer, advanced trade talks or an imminent transaction.
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