This Canadiens player could be traded before the season starts

The Montreal Canadiens have a good problem heading into the 2026-27 season. They have too many young defencemen fighting for spots, and eventually, Kent Hughes is going to have to figure out who stays and who goes.

Unfortunately, due to a numbers game, the Canadiens may have to say goodbye to fan favourite Arber Xhekaj. It’s not that they want to move him, but he does look like the odd man out in the organization.

Xhekaj is the odd-man out in Montreal

It's easy to see why Canadiens fans have taken to Xhekaj. The undrafted defenceman went from working at Costco to becoming one of the most popular players in Montreal almost overnight. He brought something the team badly needed at the time, too. Xhekaj plays a physical game, isn't afraid to drop the gloves, and makes sure opponents know he's on the ice.

Montreal has added a lot of young talent to its blue line over the last few years. David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom and Jayden Struble are all competing for NHL minutes, and that doesn't leave much room for everyone.

Xhekaj can still be useful, but his defensive game has been inconsistent at times. His physicality is an asset, but there are also nights when his decision-making and discipline make it difficult for Martin St. Louis to trust him in bigger situations.

Xhekaj is a restricted free agent, and there should still be teams around the league interested in what he brings. Finding a 6-foot-4 defenceman who can protect teammates, clear the crease and add some toughness isn't exactly easy.

Montreal could take advantage of that. If Hughes believes Xhekaj is going to struggle to find regular minutes, moving him before the season could bring back a draft pick or another young forward who fills a need up front. It wouldn’t be that Xhekaj overstayed his welcome, but rather that the Canadiens have done such a good job finding and developing prospects that his spot in the organization isn’t what it used to be. It happens every year, and yes, it sucks, but it’s a part of the business, and he is falling victim to that. 

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