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The rebuilding Montreal Canadiens entered this season hoping to at least be “in the mix” for playoff contention. However, a 2-4-1 start ahead of the weekend had GM Kent Hughes shopping for help.
Last Thursday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Hughes was calling teams to determine which players could be available in the trade market. The Habs GM is believed to be open to shaking up his roster a little and helping his team win some games this season.
LeBrun said there’s no activity in the trade market right now and nothing imminent for the Canadiens. He also indicated Hughes isn’t interested in mortgaging his club’s promising future or straying from their long-term plan.
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli told Sportsnet the Canadiens seek a top-four, right-shot defenseman. On Saturday, Elliotte Friedman mentioned they’re also looking for a forward who plays with an edge. Friedman echoed LeBrun’s claim that they don’t want to upset their long-term plans.
The Canadiens are also pressed for cap space this season. Any addition could be of the “dollar-in, dollar-out” variety.
Arber Xhekaj’s uncertain future with the Canadiens has made him the subject of recent trade speculation in the Montreal media. The 23-year-old defenseman’s physical style and willingness to defend his teammates make him a fan favorite. He’s under contract through next season with an average annual value of $1.3 million.
Nevertheless, Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette pointed out Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis has Xhekaj on a shorter leash this season. St-Louis expects a more disciplined effort from him now that he’s in his third NHL season.
Cowan cited former Canadien George Laraque saying he wouldn’t be surprised if Xhekaj was traded. He claims there are teams interested in the big blueliners who would give him more playing time than what he’s received in Montreal.
The Ottawa Senators could be among the suitors. Cowan noted that Senators owner Michael Andlauer loves Xhekaj after he led the Hamilton Bulldogs to the 2022 OHL championship. Andlauer still owns that club, which relocated to Brantford last season.
Xhekaj could become the odd man out on the Canadiens’ defense corps because of their depth in promising young blueliners. However, Hughes won’t trade him to a division rival like the Senators unless their offer is too good to refuse. The Hockey News’ Karine Hains said she doesn’t believe Xhekaj will be moved.
Since these reports appeared, the Canadiens won two straight to improve to 4-4-1. That will take some pressure off Hughes for the time being.
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