Is Arber Xhekaj on his way out of Montreal?

Could the Montreal Canadiens move Arber Xhekaj? When a guy who normally brings energy, swagger and a bit of physicality suddenly only plays eight or nine minutes a night, it’s worth noting. But maybe there’s something in the air?

Xhekaj isn’t shy about how much he wants to be part of this team; you see it at every service. He plays like someone who tries to earn his place every night. But the truth is, if your minutes stay this low for so long, it usually means the coaching staff doesn’t fully trust you.

The Canadiens are concerned about his questionable decisions

And honestly, that’s the story right now. Montreal is clearly concerned about some of Xhekaj’s choices on the ice. And when you’re young, even small mistakes can feel huge. He doesn’t play badly and has potential. He’s just a work in progress.

But the Canadiens are in the hunt for the Lord Stanley’s Cup and therefore want defensemen who play cleaner and safer. With him seeing less ice lately, it seems more like a change in philosophy than the team giving up on anyone.

The contract situation adds another layer. Xhekaj is 24, has an RFA and barely makes the league minimum. That’s a cheap, adjustable depth with benefits. He would be attractive elsewhere because he is the type of player who likes to rebuild teams. And if Montreal decides they want a defenseman with a calmer style or a stronger transition game, a move isn’t out of the question. You don’t cut a guy’s minutes that drastically unless you’re open to something at least.

Where might Xhekaj land if he were moved?

So where could Xhekaj go next? A team that doesn’t make the postseason could trade a depth blueliner for him. Young reconstruction teams are always looking for players who bring identity. The Chicago Blackhawks could be a good fit, especially as they look for physical defensemen to support their young core. Even the San Jose Sharks, who basically round up young players and see what sticks, would probably give him more runway than he’s getting right now.

None of this means Montreal wants to move him. There’s still something valuable about having a guy who cares so much and brings a physical advantage that most teams don’t have. But as your minutes get shorter and shorter and the coaching staff gives other players more ice time, the writing on the wall becomes a little clearer.

Xhekaj may not be done in Montreal yet, but a move wouldn’t be surprising

It doesn’t feel like Xhekaj is done in Montreal. At least, not yet. Yet the door to a move is definitely open. And if a team comes up with the right kind of trade, especially if it involves a more stable defenseman, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Canadiens listened.

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