The Ottawa Senators are reportedly among the clubs interested in acquiring Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. According to Habs insider Stu Cowan, Xhekaj may be on a short leash with Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis, who has called for the big blueliner to show more consistency and stay alert on the ice. St. Louis’s concerns might signal that Montreal could entertain trade offers for the young defenseman, providing an opportunity for teams like the Senators to make a serious bid.
Former Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque has also weighed in, expressing that a trade could benefit Xhekaj. “There are teams interested in his services, and if they get him, he won’t be coming out of the lineup like he does in Montreal,” Laraque noted. This statement highlights a likely appeal from other NHL teams that may offer Xhekaj more consistent ice time—a key factor for a young defenseman’s development and confidence.
Could the Ottawa Senators Land Arber Xhekaj in a Trade with the Montreal Canadiens?
The Ottawa Senators stand out as a particularly interested suitor for Xhekaj’s talents. Owner Michael Andlauer reportedly admires Xhekaj’s rugged style, having seen him play a pivotal role in leading the Hamilton Bulldogs to the 2022 OHL championship. This style aligns well with the Senators’ ongoing push to add grit and size to their blue line, qualities Xhekaj would undeniably contribute. The Senators have been building a young core of talent, and adding a player like Xhekaj could give them the kind of physical presence that rounds out a solid defensive group for Ottawa’s future.
For Montreal, a potential trade could relieve the logjam of young defensemen competing for limited spots. With players like Kaiden Guhle and David Reinbacher also vying for roster space, the Canadiens could leverage Xhekaj’s value in a trade to acquire assets that fit more immediate needs or to build for the future. Trading Xhekaj to a divisional rival like Ottawa, however, may require a significant return to satisfy Canadiens management.
While this trade is purely speculative at this stage, the fit seems ideal for both sides, especially with the Senators eager to bolster their blue line. Xhekaj would bring a physical edge that Ottawa’s defense has lacked, potentially giving him the stability he needs to grow his game at the NHL level.
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