Montreal Canadiens to trade Arber Xhekaj? One analyst explains why it's inevitable

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Axel Williams
October 23, 2024 (9:30)

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Arber Xhekaj is a player who has been beloved by Montreal Canadiens fans, however, head coach Martin St. Louis hasn't been incredibly motivated to put him in the lineup.

Xhekaj has been stuck as the team's seventh defenseman as of late. He has been hit with numerous healthy scratches and fans are definitely beginning to get concerned. Essentially, the Habs are treating Xhekaj like the New York Rangers treat Matt Rempe. They believe he is a bit of a liability at times and that his strengths lie with fighting and being an enforcer.

During a radio hit with BMP Sports in Montreal, Georges Laraque made a very interesting point about Xhekaj. Essentially, he claimed that the Canadiens are very likely to just trade him at this stage. Other teams want him and they could get a solid return.

"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. Xhekaj knows this, and so does his agent The Canadiens will eventually trade Arber Xhekaj."

Only time will tell whether or not this is how it all goes down. However, so far, it is not looking great for Xhekaj right now. With his playing time being diminished early on, he will have to hope for some sort of injury to a teammate if he wants to crack the lineup.

Do you believe the Montreal Canadiens will trade Arber Xhekaj? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite players and teams.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Arber Xhekaj on the Trade Block? NHL Analyst Is Certain His Canadiens Days Are Numbered