Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the Philadelphia Flyers may have been one of the many teams to inquire about Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. Xhekaj has generated a lot of interest around the league since making his NHL debut last season, largely because of the 148 penalty minutes he’s totaled in only 68 career games. He’s added 34 penalty minutes in 17 AHL games, embodying the old-school enforcer style that’s dwindled in recent years. Xhekaj already has five fights on the season – three in the NHL, including one against Ryan Reaves, and two in the AHL.
Xhekaj has added modest scoring on top of his hefty grit, netting 11 points in the minors this year and three points with Montreal. He’s carved out an impressive role in the NHL, despite going undrafted in his juniors years. Xhekaj signed his first NHL contract out of Montreal’s 2021 training camp, inking a three-year, $2.5MM entry-level contract. He spent the first year of this contract in the OHL, with the deal officially beginning last year. It’s unclear what Montreal might want in return for a defenseman currently in the minor leagues, but there’s no doubting why there’s interest in the 6’4″, 204lbs 22-year-old.
Other notes from around the league:
- Gabriel Vilardi will be a game-time decision for the Winnipeg Jets’ Monday night matchup against the Boston Bruins, per head coach Rick Bowness. Vilardi has been in and out of the lineup in his first season with the Jets, appearing in just 26 of the team’s 44 games. But he’s made his presence felt when he can, managing 11 goals and 20 points. Vilardi appeared at Winnipeg’s Monday practice but was seen speaking with Bowness after practice. If he can’t go, the team will likely turn toward Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, who has five points through 24 games this season.
- Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius is slated to have season-ending surgery on his ankle. It’s yet another significant injury for the 20-year-old centerman, who has only managed 59 league games over the last three seasons. Lucius was on a hot streak in the minor leagues this year, managing 13 points in his 17 apperances. The Jets will hope for the best from the former 18th-overall selection as he sets his sights on next season.
Xhekaj was called back up to Habs today..
Hockey Reference has Xhekaj listed as 238 lbs.
Xhekaj is a novelty and a huge liability defensively.
He was actually a top 5 damn in the A while he was there
LOL you have no clue whatsoever. He’s a 22 year old still developing, and it’s reported Hughes has turned down a first round pick plus for him. Even with the Habs highly rated defense surplus this fella is a huge part of their future.
WiFi and Torts. Enough said
Xhekaj is good third pair and tough guy. 6 or 7 defensemen. With way Struble has played time Hutson on the way. time to move on from one or two of Savard , Harris ,Barron or Kovacevic
Savard is gone at the trade deadline Kovacevic is a great 6/7 on any team so he may be traded to along with Monahan. But in the offseason they have to trade at least 1 good young dman for a good forward. To add Hutson amd if Reinbacher is ready they may have to dropdown or trade another in struble
Don’t see the fit with Philly. They are going to be moving D men that are a lot more talented than Xhekaj. I think Fridge makes these stories up over his corn flakes.
They are likely going to need some size & toughness back there for drysdale, zamula, andrae, york over the next few yrs. May be what they are thinking. Walker & seeler are going to be moved most likely. They might move sanheim if possible too. & Risto (fingers crossed). That’s a lot of size on the way out.
Imagine what the Ducks might get for Gudas!
I want Xhekaj and Hutson to be 2/3 on the LD next year they have Ghule who is untouchable but i think barron or harris will be trade this off season for a good young forward. The habs literally have 5 young top4 dmen on nhl deals and next year they add Rheinbacer and hutson pluse Malliox is benn playing top mins in the A aswell
Xhekaj was getting rave reviews in Laval over the past dozen games and is progressing nicely. He’s unique and coveted by a number of teams, but Hughes won’t move him. Eventually you will see Ghule take over #1 LD with Hutson and Xhekaj. Mailloux, Reinbacher and probably Barron on RD. They should move Savard at the deadline, and wait to off season to see if they can put together a nice package headed by Struble and picks for a goal scorer center who can play top 6 minutes. Also Matheson can be dangled while his value is still quite high, leaving Harris as #7 Dman.