Canadiens third-year defenseman drawing significant trade interest, experts say.

The Montreal Canadiens have been assembling a promising young core since their 2021 Stanley Cup Final run, and with five years of development behind them, the team appears poised to compete for multiple championships over the coming decade. This offseason, however, has been relatively quiet. While many expect the organization to make a bold move to add an experienced second-line center at some point, General Manager Kent Hughes has not yet pulled the trigger on a major deal. That could still change, and while dealing one of the younger defensemen might not be the blockbuster move some expect, one blue-liner is drawing substantial trade interest.

Arber Xhekaj has emerged as a player drawing a lot of attention in trade discussions. In recent conversations, he has been cited as a contact point for teams looking to add a young, physical presence on defense. This isn’t the first time his name has appeared in trade chatter; during the 2025-26 season there were rumors about the Canadiens potentially moving him as his role on the blueline evolved. To date, Montreal has shown a willingness to retain him, but the club’s defense core is now becoming more established for the near term, raising questions about whether the franchise might decide to move him to accelerate other parts of the roster.

The most significant reason to consider a move is the impending arrival of the highly regarded David Reinbacher, who recorded 24 points in 57 games with the AHL’s Laval Rocket last season. Montreal selected Reinbacher fifth overall in 2023, signaling a desire to slot him into the lineup soon. Even without Reinbacher, the Canadiens boast a deep defensive group that includes Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Jayden Struble, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier. With such depth, the organization may determine that a move is necessary to balance opportunities and ensure a clear path for younger talents to make an impact at the NHL level.

In the previous season, Xhekaj appeared in 65 games for Montreal. His contributions on the scoresheet were minimal, but he tallied 116 penalty minutes, showing that his role is defined by physicality and defensive presence rather than offensive production. For teams aiming to contend for playoff glory, that kind of grit can be valuable; however, Xhekaj’s limited offensive upside makes him a trade-ready asset only if a suitable return is available. If a suitor presents a package that aligns with the Canadiens’ long-term goals, management could justify parting ways with the former undrafted defenseman who remains a restricted free agent for 2026-27 and beyond.

Overall, the decision to trade Xhekaj will hinge on how Montreal weighs immediate needs against future potential. If a deal can yield a high-quality asset or provide the missing piece to maximise the window of opportunity with the current core, a reassessment of his role could be warranted. Conversely, if the organization values his current role, presence, and development trajectory, he could remain a key contributor as reinforcers like Reinbacher begin to push for NHL time.

The Canadiens’ rebuild strategy continues to revolve around cultivating a strong, young defensive corps while remaining open to opportunistic moves that could accelerate their championship timeline. As the offseason unfolds, fans should watch closely for any indications of how the front office balances depth, tryouts for emerging talents, and potential trades that could reshape the blueprint for success in the coming years.