How Canadiens’ Pending RFAs Could Shape the Trade Deadline

Dach, however, is a completely different story. At one time, he was viewed as a foundational piece: a big, skilled center with top-six potential. But over the past two to three seasons, injuries have defined his trajectory more than production has. Availability has been the issue. When healthy, flashes are still there, but the reality is harsh: the Canadiens’ depth chart is getting crowded.

Nick Suzuki is locked in as the number one centre. Young options like Michael Hage are pushing hard in the pipeline. Owen Beck continues to trend upward. Even Oliver Kapanen has been more reliable. The competition for meaningful minutes is real.

Right now, Dach is more of a bottom-six forward than the top-six driver Montreal once envisioned. And that’s where the decision becomes uncomfortable. Do the Canadiens still believe that a healthy offseason can reset his development? Or do they acknowledge that the opportunity cost of waiting is too high?

The squeeze is not just about talent; it’s about timing. Montreal is no longer in a pure rebuild. They are competitive. They want to stay competitive. Carrying uncertainty in key roster spots becomes more difficult when games matter in March and April.

Then there’s Xhekaj. His situation mirrors Dach’s in a different way. His physicality is unique. His presence changes the emotional tone of games. Teammates feed off it, and fans love it. But over the last two seasons, he has found himself rotating in and out of the lineup, often splitting time with Jayden Struble.

The coaching staff clearly values certain elements of his game, but there are questions about trust, consistency, and defensive reliability. When the games tighten up, ice time shortens. And when roster spots are scarce, those margins matter.

Xhekaj will most likely receive a short-term extension. His role is defined. He doesn’t need to be a top-four defenceman. On a short, affordable deal, he offers identity and depth. But the Canadiens must decide whether that identity outweighs the desire for a more stable third-pair option.

How These Decisions Impact the Trade Deadline

The RFA puzzle doesn’t exist in isolation. It directly connects to the trade deadline strategy. If management internally decides that Dach is no longer part of the long-term core, his name could quietly surface in deadline discussions. A team willing to gamble on his upside might view him as a buy-low candidate. In that scenario, Montreal could potentially flip him for immediate help, perhaps a more reliable middle-six forward or a piece that strengthens the current playoff push.

The same logic applies to Xhekaj. If the Canadiens feel that his development has plateaued, he becomes a movable asset. Physical defencemen always carry league-wide interest. Packaging him in a hockey trade for a steadier defensive option would not be shocking.

That said, deadline moves are often influenced by organizational clarity. If the Canadiens are undecided, if they still believe there is more to unlock, then these decisions likely wait until the offseason. RFA rights provide leverage and flexibility. You are not forced into panic.

What makes this particularly fascinating is Montreal’s current position. Unlike previous seasons when the team could experiment freely, this one has stakes. The Canadiens are firmly in the playoff race; the appetite for future evaluation shrinks. Immediate contribution matters more.