Arber Xhekaj remains a wanted defenseman as Martin St-Louis prepares to sort through Montreal's crowded blue line.
Herb Zurkowsky reports that a source revealed Calgary's interest in Xhekaj at last season's trade deadline.
That interest adds another serious name to the market. The Flames and Philadelphia Flyers have both been linked to Montreal's fan favourite this summer.
There's no indication that a trade is close. But repeated attention from multiple clubs shows Xhekaj carries real value beyond his current role with the Canadiens.
Calgary's interest makes sense. Xhekaj offers size, physical pressure and a direct defensive style that could fit a team looking to become harder around its crease.
Philadelphia has tracked him for an extended period as well. The Flyers see the same rare profile: a young NHL defenseman who can change the tone of a game.
" Herb Zurkowsky: Re Canadiens: [A] source revealed Calgary's interest in Arber Xhekaj last season at the trade deadline. And this summer, the Flames and Philadelphia Flyers have been linked to the Montreal fan favourite - Montreal Gazette (7/30) "
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Canadiens face difficult decision as another team pursues Arber Xhekaj
The Canadiens don't need to move Xhekaj simply because teams keep calling. Kent Hughes can listen while maintaining a high asking price.
Montreal's blue-line depth is the reason trade talk keeps returning. Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier already hold major roles.
Jayden Struble remains in the picture, while David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom are expected to challenge for steady NHL work at training camp.
That congestion could leave Xhekaj fighting for minutes despite bringing an element few teammates can replace. St-Louis must decide whether his role is stable enough to justify keeping him.
Calgary or Philadelphia would need to offer more than a routine draft pick. Montreal has reached a stage where moving a useful roster player should address an immediate weakness.
A top-six forward or a young center would make the conversation more serious. Clearing space alone isn't enough reason to surrender Xhekaj's age, edge and league-wide appeal.
The Canadiens also know his value could rise once games tighten. Physical defensemen who protect the crease and support skilled teammates become more noticeable during a playoff push.
Calgary's deadline interest and Philadelphia's continued pursuit give Hughes options. Unless one club makes a strong hockey offer, Montreal can keep Xhekaj and let camp determine his place.
Should the Canadiens trade Arber Xhekaj if Calgary offers top-six help?
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