Arber Xhekaj's NHL Future: Trade or Offer Sheet as Canadiens' Blue Line Crowds
The future of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj is under intense scrutiny as competition for spots on the team's blue line intensifies. With prospects David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom waiting in the wings, Xhekaj's limited playing time raises questions about whether a trade or offer sheet from another NHL team could benefit his career.
Limited Trust and Ice Time
At 25 years old, Xhekaj is averaging just 11 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time per game this season, the lowest among the eight defensemen utilized by the Canadiens. In 50 games, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound player has recorded 1 goal and 1 assist, with a minus-7 rating, while leading the team with 135 hits. His contract, a two-year deal worth US$2.6 million, expires this season, making him a restricted free agent on July 1.
Coach Martin St. Louis has shown reluctance to trust Xhekaj, further reducing his already sparse minutes. This stands in contrast to Jayden Struble, who battles Xhekaj for the sixth defensive spot and averages 14:04 of ice time with 8 assists in 39 games.
Rising Competition from Prospects
The pressure on Xhekaj is set to increase with the emergence of young talents. David Reinbacher, 21, and Adam Engstrom, 22, are currently playing for the AHL's Laval Rocket and are poised to make the jump to the NHL. Their development adds to the crowded defensive lineup, making Xhekaj's position increasingly precarious.
Analysts argue that at this stage in his career, a trade to a team willing to offer more ice time could be the optimal move for Xhekaj. While a trade within the division seems unlikely, the Ottawa Senators, whose owner Michael Andlauer is a known admirer of Xhekaj from their time with the Hamilton Bulldogs, could be a potential destination. Andlauer, a former minority owner of the Canadiens, played a role in Xhekaj's invitation to a development camp after he went undrafted.
Offer Sheet Possibility and Position Change Debate
There is speculation about whether the Senators or another NHL team might extend an offer sheet to Xhekaj, given his unique blend of size, toughness, and skill. This could provide him with the opportunity he needs to thrive.
Some fans have suggested moving Xhekaj to left wing to address the Canadiens' need for size upfront. However, transitioning a defenseman to forward at the NHL level is challenging. Xhekaj began his junior career as a forward with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers but struggled and was converted to defense. While not impossible—as seen with Dustin Byfuglien's successful switch with the Chicago Blackhawks—such a move seems unlikely for the Canadiens, who already have his brother Florian as a forward with the Rocket.
Prospect Insights and Team Dynamics
In other prospect news, forward Filip Mesar, the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has not developed as hoped, with modest stats in the AHL. Meanwhile, the return of Alex Newhook from injury post-Olympics will force Coach St. Louis to make tough lineup decisions, especially with Patrik Laine also returning to health.
Additionally, goaltending concerns have emerged, with fans noting the lack of puck-handling skills compared to Carey Price's era. New goalie coach Marco Marciano may address this in upcoming practices with Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes.
As the Canadiens navigate these complexities, Xhekaj's path forward remains a focal point. Whether through a trade, offer sheet, or positional change, his career trajectory hinges on finding a team or role that maximizes his potential in the competitive NHL landscape.
