The Montreal Canadiens’ war room is buzzing, the phone lines crackling with urgency, and behind closed doors, a trade storm is brewing that could redefine the team’s future. Picture this: Arber Xhekaj, the Sheriff himself, standing in the center of a swirling media circus, his name echoing through NHL front offices across North America. The spotlight is glaring, the rumors are relentless, and every insider is whispering the same question—just how far is Kent Hughes willing to go?

But don’t be fooled by the calm before the storm. Beneath the surface, something seismic is unfolding. The Canadiens’ blue line is overflowing with young talent, and the clock is ticking on a decision that could send shockwaves through the league. Everyone’s eyes are locked on Montreal, waiting for the moment when Kent Hughes finally tips his hand.

At the heart of the speculation is Xhekaj, a defenseman whose value has skyrocketed, drawing the attention of general managers hungry for his unique blend of grit and upside. Yet, as the trade chatter intensifies, the fate of not just Xhekaj but also Jayden Struble and Adam Engstrom hangs in the balance. Which of these promising young blueliners will become the key to unlocking a blockbuster deal? Which will be sacrificed to bring the offensive firepower that Martin St-Louis craves for his top lines?

Insider Marco D’Amico, whose finger is firmly on the pulse of the Canadiens’ front office, hints at a decision so pivotal that it could alter the trajectory of the franchise. “There are a lot of general managers that value Arber Xhekaj a lot, still. I feel like he’s underutilized in Montreal,” D’Amico reveals, sparking a frenzy among fans and analysts alike. The tension is palpable, the stakes higher than ever.

But what exactly is Kent Hughes plotting behind the scenes? The answer remains shrouded in secrecy, fueling wild speculation and heated debates across social media and sports talk shows. Will Montreal finally pull the trigger on a trade that brings a game-changing forward to the Bell Centre? Or will Hughes hold his cards close, refusing to part with the defenseman whose toughness has become legendary among Canadiens faithful?

The answer may lie in the team’s evolving defensive depth. With Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Mike Matheson, and David Reinbacher all seen as long-term cornerstones, the surplus of left-handed defensemen presents both an opportunity and a dilemma. Xhekaj, Struble, and Engstrom—each with their own strengths and potential—are suddenly thrust into the spotlight, their futures uncertain as the trade deadline looms.

Yet, for all the speculation, one thing is clear: the Canadiens are at a crossroads, and the next move could be the most daring of the Kent Hughes era. The hockey world is holding its breath, waiting for answers, and the only way to uncover the full story is to dive deeper into the high-stakes drama unfolding in Montreal.

What happens next? Who will be the sacrifice, and who will become the cornerstone of a new Canadiens era? The answer is just beyond the next paragraph—if you dare to keep reading.

Photo of Arber Xhekaj and Marco D'Amico

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

Rumors are ramping up again around Arber Xhekaj and the Montreal Canadiens’ defense.

According to what is currently circulating, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, wants to bring reinforcements to his top two lines. However, as you know, it takes two sides to complete a trade.

Moreover, if Montreal’s management wants to acquire a high-end forward who can play in the top six, they will have no choice but to trade an asset that holds significant value in the eyes of other teams.

And this is where the Canadiens’ defensive depth could become an interesting tool for Kent Hughes, but also for the other organizations involved in discussions with the Montreal Canadiens. In short, as was the case with the Zachary Bolduc trade, Kent Hughes could use his surplus of defensemen to acquire a forward.

Knowing that Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Alexandre Carrier, and David Reinbacher are considered long-term pieces, three young defensemen are likely to be used as trade chips: Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and Adam Engstrom.

Arber Xhekaj in Kent Hughes’ sights

Marco D’Amico confirms that Arber Xhekaj has excellent value. In a piece published on the RG Media website, the insider mentioned that Kent Hughes will have to make an important decision between the three defensemen.

He is convinced that one of them will be involved in a trade to bring offensive reinforcements to Martin St-Louis’ lineup. Furthermore, he believes that number 72 of the Canadiens, Arber Xhekaj, is drawing interest from several general managers across the National Hockey League at the moment-so much so that he could allow Kent Hughes to acquire an impact player.

“I can tell you this, there are a lot of general managers that value Arber Xhekaj a lot, still. I feel like he’s underutilized in Montreal.

There are a lot of teams that like Adam Engstrom, and I think that the performances over the last two games haven’t done anything to hurt his value. So between those two guys, I think you’re good.”

– Marco D’Amico

Personally, even though I appreciate the toughness the Sheriff brings, I do not believe he should be untouchable for the Canadiens.

After all, once David Reinbacher is fully ready to join the lineup, Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Mike Matheson will occupy the three positions on the left side, leaving very little room for Arber Xhekaj.

One thing is certain: Kent Hughes will absolutely have to trade a defenseman, and it will be very interesting to find out which player will be targeted by the Canadiens.