Canadiens insider suggests two key sign-and-trades are on the horizon
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The Montreal Canadiens still have two restricted free agents sitting unsigned in the middle of August, and Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette thinks that is not a coincidence.
Cowan wrote this week that the lack of movement on contracts for Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc points to something bigger than a routine holdup.
The fact neither player has signed yet leads me to believe they could become part of sign-and-trade deals.
Why Montreal Might Let Them Walk
Xhekaj has become a fan favorite for his physical style, but his ice time tells a different story.
He averaged the fewest minutes of any Canadiens defenseman last season and saw that number shrink further in the playoffs.
With Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle and Jayden Struble already occupying the left side, and prospects like Adam Engstrom pushing for jobs, Xhekaj's path to regular minutes is getting narrower.
Bolduc brings more offensive tools and flashed grit in the playoffs, but his next contract has been a slower negotiation, partly because of the price Montreal paid to get him from St. Louis.
What the Habs Would Gain
Moving either player in a sign-and-trade lets Montreal convert a roster logjam into the two things general manager Kent Hughes has openly wanted all summer.
A second-line center behind Nick Suzuki and an experienced right-shot defenseman to pair with Hutson.
Rather than losing an RFA for nothing or overpaying to keep a depth piece, the Canadiens could extract immediate value while addressing real needs before the season starts.
That said, losing Bolduc and Xhekaj would be a blow to the fanbase, considering the supporters do like them quite a bit. Ultimately, sacrifices are a part of the game.
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