Arber Xhekaj receiving trade interest from other Canadian franchises

Arber Xhekaj is certainly one of the most inspiring stories currently. Originally an undrafted free agent and working at Costco when he thought his NHL dreams were going to fall through, he earned a contract from the Montreal Canadiens and has become a fan favorite for his booming hits and willingness to drop the gloves.

Lots of people believe Xhekaj plays a playoff-style game and while the Canadiens are a ways away from making the playoffs again, teams that are closer have called Habs GM Kent Hughes to ask about the availability of the young 6'4" defenseman.

The Calgary Flames seem like a great match for Xhekaj as they play an old-school style game and are always looking to add more size to their backend. However, the Canadiens do not seem to be budging on Xhekaj and will likely need to be wowed to consider moving him.

Splitting time between the NHL and AHL last season, Xhekaj will look to be a full-time NHLer for the Canadiens next season and continue to establish himself at the highest level in the world.