Arber Xhekaj could enter Martin St-Louis' camp fighting for a regular job if Montreal adds the veteran right-shot defenseman it wants.
Stu Cowan believes there would be no regular place for Xhekaj on the Canadiens' blue line if Kent Hughes completes that addition before the season.
That turns Montreal's search for defensive help into a direct roster threat for the 25-year-old. Xhekaj finished last season with 4 points in 65 games.
His deployment was already far from secure. Now another experienced defender could push him further down the depth chart before the opening-night lineup is even settled.
Hughes has been looking for a veteran right-shot defenseman, ideally someone who can bring stability to a blue line built around younger pieces.
If that player arrives, Montreal would have to create room somewhere. Cowan sees Xhekaj as the defender most likely to lose a regular spot.
“There won't be a regular spot on the Canadiens' blue line for Arber Xhekaj this season if Kent Hughes manages to acquire an experienced right-handed defenseman.”
- Stu Cowan
-
Arber Xhekaj's situation takes troubling turn after Canadiens announcement
That doesn't automatically mean Xhekaj would be moved. He could remain as depth, compete through camp and force St-Louis to keep him in the rotation.
But the pressure would change immediately. A player who isn't guaranteed nightly minutes can quickly move from lineup competition into healthy-scratch territory.
Cowan also believes other clubs would have interest in Xhekaj if Montreal decides the roster fit no longer works. Anthony Di Marco has also questioned his long-term future with the Canadiens.
Names such as Zach Whitecloud, Nick Perbix and Rasmus Ristolainen have been floated as examples of the type of right-shot defender who could alter Montreal's blue-line picture.
There is no indication that one of those players is definitely headed to Montreal. The larger point is that Hughes is still trying to improve the right side, and Xhekaj could feel the consequence.
The Canadiens also have to decide what they value most from Xhekaj. His physical presence gives the lineup a different element, but that alone won't guarantee him regular minutes if St-Louis trusts other defenders more.
Camp could become his most important stretch in Montreal yet. If no veteran arrives, Xhekaj still has a path to regular work. If Hughes completes the move he wants, that path gets much narrower.
Montreal's next defensive addition may not just strengthen the roster. It could determine whether Arber Xhekaj remains part of the everyday blue line or becomes the next name pushed toward the trade market.
Should Montreal trade Arber Xhekaj if a veteran right-shot defenseman arrives?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of a major change
