Canadiens Drop Major Hint About Arber Xhekaj's Time in Montreal Possibly Coming to an End
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
It's a rumor that circulated heavily at the end of the season, but some are seriously wondering if Arber Xhekaj has played his last game with the Montreal Canadiens.
Let's not forget that he was scratched for three consecutive weeks by Martin St-Louis and, at one point, didn't even seem to be part of the team's plans anymore.
With that in mind, we're now learning (thanks to Nick Kypreos) that the Canadiens are trying to acquire the rugged defenseman Nicolas Hague from the Vegas Golden Knights.
By revealing their interest in Hague, Kent Hughes has also seemingly dropped a clue about his intentions regarding Arber Xhekaj.
At least, that's how some experts and observers are interpreting it.
If the Canadiens acquire Nicolas Hague, what will happen to Arber Xhekaj?
All signs point to the Canadiens' defensive corps looking like this next fall (starting with the top 4):
That leaves two spots on the third pair for David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and possibly even Adam Engstrom.
Considering several experts (including Stu Cowan) have stated they'd be "shocked" if Reinbacher didn't start the 2025-26 season in Montreal..
And since all indications are that Reinbacher will have a spot in Montreal this fall, the defense would look something like this:
Mike Matheson - Alexandre Carrier
Kaiden Guhle - Lane Hutson
David Reinbacher - one spot left for a left-shot D
Kaiden Guhle - Lane Hutson
David Reinbacher - one spot left for a left-shot D
And if Nicolas Hague is added to the equation, it's hard to see how Arber Xhekaj could hold a regular spot next season.
Kent Hughes knows all this, and yet still wants to acquire Hague - which really seems to say a lot about his intentions regarding Xhekaj, and possibly also Jayden Struble.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 2725 ANSWERS Canadiens Drop Major Hint About Arber Xhekaj's Time in Montreal Possibly Coming to an End If the Canadiens acquire Nicolas Hague, do you believe that would spell the end of Arber Xhekaj in Montreal? | ||
| Yes | 980 | 36 % |
| No, not necessarily | 1745 | 64 % |
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