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Is Arber Xhekaj on His Way Out of Montreal?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 5:26 PM ET

Might the Montreal Canadiens move Arber Xhekaj? When a guy who normally brings energy, swagger, and a little physicality is suddenly playing just eight or nine minutes a night, that’s worth noting. But might something be in the air?

Xhekaj isn’t shy about how much he wants to be part of this team; you can see it in every shift. He plays like someone who’s trying to earn his spot every single night. But the truth is, when your minutes drop that hard for that long, it usually means the coaching staff isn’t fully trusting you.

The Canadiens Are Concerned with His Iffy Decisions

And honestly, that’s the story at the moment. Montreal clearly has concerns with some of Xhekaj’s on-ice choices. And when you’re young on the back end, even small errors can feel huge. He’s not playing poorly, and he does have potential. He’s just a work in progress.

But the Canadiens are in the hunt for Lord Stanley’s Cup and, as a result, want defenders who make cleaner, safer plays. With his getting less ice lately, it looks more like a shift in philosophy than the team giving up on anybody.

The contract situation adds another layer. Xhekaj is 24, an RFA, and barely makes over league minimum. That’s cheap, controllable depth with upside. He would be attractive elsewhere because he’s the type of player rebuilding teams love to take a swing on. And if Montreal decides they want a defender with a calmer style or stronger transition game, a move isn’t out of the question. You don’t cut a guy’s minutes this drastically unless you’re at least open to something.

Where Might Xhekaj Land If He Were Moved?

So where could Xhekaj go? A team that isn’t making the postseason might trade a depth blueliner for him. Young rebuilding teams are always looking for players who bring identity. The Chicago Blackhawks could be a fit, especially since they’ve been hunting for physical defenders to support their young core. Even the San Jose Sharks, who are basically collecting young players and seeing what sticks, would probably give him more runway than he’s getting now.

None of this means Montreal wants to move him. There’s still something valuable about having a guy who cares that much and brings a physical edge most teams don’t have. But when your minutes keep dropping, and the coaching staff gives other players more ice time, the writing on the wall starts getting a little clearer.

Xhekaj Might Not Be Finished in Montreal, But a Move Wouldn’t Be Surprising

It doesn’t feel like Xhekaj is done in Montreal. At least, not yet. Still, the door to a move is definitely cracked open. And if a team comes calling with the right kind of trade, especially one involving a steadier defender, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Canadiens listened.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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