Canadiens Face Tough Decision on Arber Xhekaj's Future as Trade Deadline Looms
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has made his feelings clear about playing in Montreal, even as speculation swirls about his potential departure. "I definitely love playing here and I love helping this team out," the rugged defenseman stated. "I love the boys." These heartfelt words come at a critical juncture for both player and franchise.
The Physical Presence Question
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, discussions about Xhekaj's future have intensified. Many fans and analysts argue that losing his unique combination of size and toughness would be a significant blow to the Canadiens. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Xhekaj leads the team in hits (138) and penalty minutes (104) despite being a healthy scratch for seven games this season.
The concern is particularly acute regarding playoff hockey. As one fan noted in a mailbag question, "the tough hockey is played in April and we NEED a big, strong, tough defenceman who can play and fight!" The fear is that without Xhekaj's intimidating presence, opponents like Washington's Tom Wilson would have free rein to target smaller Canadiens stars such as Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.
Ice Time and Development Concerns
Xhekaj's playing time has been inconsistent this season. He logged 11:58 of ice time in a recent overtime loss to the New York Islanders, but had played a season-low 5:51 in his previous game. He's averaging just 11:21 minutes per game—the least of any of the eight defensemen Montreal has utilized.
Despite limited opportunities, Xhekaj remains positive about his contributions. "I thought I was pretty solid," he said after the Islanders game. "It was definitely good confidence, especially late in the game when I was getting out there. I think it helps me build confidence in my own game and helps the team out."
The Competition Factor
The Canadiens' defensive depth presents another challenge for Xhekaj. Prospects David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom are expected to push for NHL roster spots from the AHL's Laval Rocket, potentially crowding the blue line further. Xhekaj brings a rare blend of physicality and NHL-caliber defensive skills that many teams covet, especially in today's speed-focused league.
Financially, Xhekaj represents good value at his current $1.3 million salary. He can become a restricted free agent on July 1, adding urgency to Montreal's decision-making process.
Teammate Perspectives
Cole Caufield, one of the smaller players Xhekaj helps protect, appreciates what his teammate brings. "He brings his physical presence," Caufield noted. "The other team knows that he's out there and we're for sure lucky to have that. He works his ass off no matter if it's five or fifteen minutes or whatever it is."
This sentiment underscores Xhekaj's value beyond statistics—his mere presence on the ice alters opponents' behavior and provides psychological security for his teammates.
Skills and Shooting Ability
Xhekaj recently demonstrated his raw power by winning the Canadiens' hardest-shot competition for the third consecutive year, registering an impressive 107.3 mph blast. However, in actual games, he rarely unleashes such powerful shots from the blue line.
As teammate Kaiden Guhle explained, "Not many times where you can kind of stop it and wind up. You don't see it much anymore. But when you get a chance it's nice to do and you want to get those off when you can." The modern NHL prioritizes quick releases and finding shooting lanes over winding up for powerful slapshots.
Broader Team Context
The Xhekaj discussion occurs within larger conversations about the Canadiens' roster construction. Questions have emerged about potential moves involving forward Patrik Laine, who appears likely to be traded before the deadline. General Manager Kent Hughes may need to retain salary to facilitate such a move.
Meanwhile, Cole Caufield continues his offensive surge with 33 goals in 58 games, putting him on pace for what could be the highest goal total by a Canadien since Vincent Damphousse's 40 in 1993-94.
The Ultimate Decision
As the trade deadline approaches, the Canadiens face a delicate balancing act. Xhekaj represents both a valuable physical asset and a player whose development might benefit from more consistent playing time elsewhere. His contract situation adds financial considerations to the equation.
For now, Xhekaj remains focused on the present. "I don't try to look at that," he said about his future beyond this season. "I just try and take it day by day and help the team the best I can and bring my size and my presence while toeing the line at the same time."
The coming days will reveal whether Montreal's management shares his desire for continuity or sees his physical talents as a trade asset too valuable to pass up.
