Status Quo Holds On Arber Xhekaj Contract And Trade Front

Arber Xhekaj enters restricted free agency coming off a two-year contract worth $1.3 million annually while remaining offer-sheet eligible at age 25.

Trade Interest Stays At Arm’s Length

Montreal Canadiens have received trade inquiries for the 25-year-old defenseman over recent weeks. Philadelphia has maintained interest for multiple years yet no offer has matched the club’s valuation.

David Pagnotta reported that conversations between the Habs and Xhekaj remain status quo. Other teams have expressed interest but Montreal continues to value the player for roster protection of its young core.

The club declined prior proposals because the return packages fell short of internal expectations. Keeping Xhekaj preserves physicality measured in 159 hits and 116 penalty minutes across 65 games last season.

Ivan Demidov recently signed a long-term extension, locking in the forward group. This stability reduces pressure to move Xhekaj in a package for a top-six forward.

Contract Gap Narrows Slowly

Xhekaj posted only four points in his fourth NHL season. Offense remains secondary to his role delivering sandpaper and physical presence.

Both sides continue quiet negotiations to close the AAV difference. No public comments have emerged since the two-year $1.3 million deal expired.

Offer-sheet eligibility adds leverage for Xhekaj but also risk if another club submits a qualifying bid. Montreal holds matching rights and would likely exercise them rather than lose the asset.

The absence of imminent movement keeps the player in the lineup for training camp. This timeline favors internal resolution over external resolution.

Roster Protection Priority

Montreal’s collection of young talent requires on-ice enforcement. Xhekaj supplies that element without displacing skilled defensemen already under contract.

Teams seeking similar physicality have approached Montreal repeatedly. The Canadiens have consistently declined because the player fits their identity.

Retaining him avoids the need to replace hits and penalty minutes through free agency or additional trades. The 159 hits and 116 PIM from last season illustrate the production gap any departure would create.

Status quo conversations therefore serve both contract and roster planning objectives through the summer.

Unless a bridge deal closes before September, Philadelphia could test Xhekaj with an offer sheet that forces Montreal to match or lose the physical defenseman.