May 12, 2024 | 7:42pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

TEAMS CONTINUE TO ASK HABS ABOUT XHEKAJ

Arber Xhekaj, defenceman

The Montreal Canadiens have a surplus of young, NHL-potential defencemen on their roster and in their system and GM Kent Hughes is expected to dangle some of them this off-season for extra scoring punch up front.

Several clubs have been reaching out to the Habs about their blueliners, but one player Hughes does not have interest in moving at this time is Arber Xhekaj.

According to TFP’s David Pagnotta, “as recent as this week,” some teams have continued to inquire about the rugged rearguard only to be turned away by Hughes.

As Pagnotta reported earlier in the season, one team offered a current young NHL forward with top-six potential in exchange for Xhekaj, but that pitch was rejected by the Canadiens.

It is unclear whom the Canadiens are willing to part with, though it appears Xhekaj is atop the list that may also include Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher. The Habs could entertain calls on the likes of youngsters Jordan Harris, Justin Barron and Jayden Struble.

Veteran defenceman David Savard, who is entering the final year of his contract, could also be on the trade block this summer.

The Canadiens currently have just over $9.1 million in salary cap space, but could exceed the salary cap by an additional $10.5 million if they place Carey Price on LTIR.