Arber Xhekaj remains wanted around the NHL, but Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens aren't rushing to move him.
David Pagnotta reports that teams continue calling Montreal about Xhekaj, with the Philadelphia Flyers still among the clubs showing interest.
The key detail is that nothing appears imminent. Kent Hughes is listening, but the Canadiens haven't received an offer strong enough to change their position.
Xhekaj recorded 1 goal and 3 assists in 65 regular-season games, numbers that don't fully capture why other teams keep asking about him.
His value comes from a different area. The 25-year-old delivered 178 hits and collected 116 penalty minutes while giving Montreal a rare physical presence on the blue line.
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Xhekaj can defend either side, clear the crease and make opponents think twice before targeting Montreal's skilled players.
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Multiple teams want Arber Xhekaj, and Montreal's response says everything
Philadelphia's interest makes sense because Xhekaj fits the type of direct, physical hockey the Flyers have often valued. But interest alone doesn't mean advanced trade talks exist.
Montreal also knows that replacing Xhekaj wouldn't be simple. David Reinbacher and Adam Engström offer upside, yet neither brings the same combination of size, edge and willingness to protect teammates.
The concern comes from Xhekaj's playoff deployment. He averaged only 8:06 across 13 postseason appearances, suggesting St-Louis didn't trust him with major minutes in every matchup.
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Still, Xhekaj produced 2 points and 45 hits during that run. His impact became easier to see once games tightened and space disappeared.
He is also an unsigned restricted free agent after carrying a $1,300,000 average annual value on his previous contract. Montreal retains control and doesn't face an immediate cap squeeze.
That gives Hughes room to stay patient. A routine draft pick shouldn't be enough to move a defender with Xhekaj's age, profile and playoff utility.
The Canadiens should only consider a deal if Xhekaj becomes part of a package that clearly improves the top six. Until then, Montreal can keep listening while holding firm on a player other teams clearly want.
Should the Canadiens trade Arber Xhekaj only for top-six help?
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