Canadiens send Arber Xhekaj to the Flyers in head-turning trade proposal
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Arber Xhekaj's future in Montreal is getting murkier by the week. The physical blueliner remains an unsigned restricted free agent, and insiders continue to link him to outside suitors even as his camp insists he wants to stay a Hab.
David Pagnotta has repeatedly named the Philadelphia Flyers as the team with the longest-standing interest in Xhekaj, while the Calgary Flames also checked in around last season's trade deadline.
Jeff Marek recently added fuel to the fire, saying he believes Montreal is at least open to moving the 25-year-old sandpaper defenseman if the situation drags on.
The Proposal
Here's a deal that could get done before camp opens. Montreal sends Xhekaj to Philadelphia in exchange for forward Noah Cates and a conditional third-round pick.
Cates is coming off a career-high 47-point season and brings size, two-way reliability, and center eligibility, exactly the kind of forward help the Canadiens have been chasing all summer.
For Philadelphia, adding a 6-foot-4 shutdown defender who plays with an edge fills an obvious need behind a blue line that already leans toward skill over toughness.
For Montreal, moving on from a cost-controlled but offensively limited piece in exchange for a proven middle six forward fits Kent Hughes' stated priority of adding scoring punch.
Why It Makes Sense For Both Sides
Cates has bounced between center and wing in Philadelphia and has dealt with injuries in the playoffs, but his production and versatility would slot in nicely on Montreal's second or third line.
The Flyers, meanwhile, have a crowded group of wingers behind Cates and could use the sandpaper Xhekaj brings on the back end.
While some may suggest that the Flyers are giving up too much, this is a trade based on need, and not raw production. Sometimes, teams need to make these kinds of sacrifices.
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