Since being traded to the Laval Rocket in the AHL, Arber Xhekaj has impressed alongside Logan Mailloux on the first defensive pair. However, he is unlikely to be recalled to Montreal for the time being, due to the excessive number of left-handed defensemen in the Habs line-up.
If Kent Hughes ever decides to trade him to lighten the left side, he could get a first-round pick, according to Mathias Brunet of La Presse.
Rondelle libre | Cinq dossiers à suivre chez le Habs d’ici la fin de la saison https://t.co/Srg4iWmPNv via @lp_lapresse
– Mathias Brunet (@mathiasbrunet) January 9, 2024
Many fans wouldn’t want to lose the services of a rugged defenseman like Xhekaj, but a first-round pick could convince many. Especially when you’re talking about a guy who’s never been drafted! It could also solve the Habs’ left-handed defenseman problem.
The Habs currently have to play with four left-handed defensemen in their lineup: Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble and Jordan Harris.
But none of this seems to be in Kent Hughes’ plans. A monster offer could change his mind, but so far, the Tricolore GM still sees the 6’4″ defenseman in his soup. He even confirmed this during an appearance on TVA Sports’ JiC show.
Kent Hughes sets the record straight on Arber Xhekajhttps://t.co/AfAoZ6gdJO
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 15, 2024
“Our plans are not to trade Arber Xhekaj. He’s not in the AHL because he’s no longer in our plans.” – Kent Hughes
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In any case, the Laval experiment is currently extremely conclusive. Accompanied by Logan Mailloux, Xhekaj has been dominating the AHL for several games now, with 8 points in his last 9 games.
Defensively, he’s looking much better than when he started. His +3 differential is excellent, but we could also let one of his teammates speak for himself. Goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo praised Xhekaj’s work during a live broadcast of the Rocket game.
According to @Kaskisuo Arber Xhekaj is too good for the AHL, but everyone do love having him with the team!
Also when asked who was the funniest guy in the locker room, there is Simoneau, but also Arber! 🤣#GoRocket🚀 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/DvFhrhuMe5
– The Rocket Girl 🚀 (@TheRocket9Girl) January 15, 2024
He explains that Arber Xhekaj is simply too good for the league with the Rocket, no less!
So the Habs could pull a first-round pick out of a deal involving Arber Xhekaj, but no one in the organization wants to see him go.
Breaking news
– A Senators defenseman could change his address this season.
Friedman on 32TP: “(Jakob) Chychrun’s name came out last week, I don’t think they are rushing to do anything like that, I really don’t. I think one thing they’re figuring out is who teams like… What do people think of our players? That’s what Ottawa’s doing “
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 15, 2024
– Crosby could break another record.
Most goals in a season from a 36yo or older:
52 – Sidney Crosby’s Current Pace
50 – Alex Ovechkin
48 – Teemu Selanne
44 – Gordie HoweHe’s doing this on one of the worst powerplays in hockey. pic.twitter.com/RXh5tJYghX
– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) January 16, 2024
– Good news.
Poulin, Stacey, Desbiens and Ambrose will represent Montreal at the All-Star Game https://t.co/16PzXbLKHW
– Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) January 16, 2024