Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj may be traded to another Canadian team per latest reports

He is one of the roughest blue liners in the NHL today, but it looks like there is a growing chance that the Montreal Canadiens could part ways with him in the days leading up to this week's trade deadline.

Per a report from analyst Herb Zurkowsky, the Calgary Flames are showing interest in Habs defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

If Xhekaj were to be acquired by the Flames, he would have far more of an opportunity for playing time than he does in Montreal.

So far this year, he has two points (1G, 1A) in 51 games played and 104 penalty minutes.

The trade deadline is this Friday, March 6.

Never drafted into the NHL, Xhekaj played for the St. Catharines Falcons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League and later the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL before signing a three year, entry level contract with the Canadiens after a successful invitation to their training camp.

In his first full year in the NHL wearing a Habs sweater in 2024-25, he had six points (1G, 5A) in 70 games. He also spent 17 games with the Laval Rocket, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Canadiens, and had 11 points (3G, 8A) in 17 games.

He's played in 216 career NHL games, all in a Habs sweater, and has 31 points (10G, 21A) and 404 penalty minutes.

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