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The Calgary Flames have made their decision on Arber Xhekaj.
The Flames are no longer a realistic destination for Arber Xhekaj, according to Anthony Di Marco.
The team has changed its mind.
The Canadiens defenseman remains unsigned for next season, and trade rumours continue to swirl around him. But Calgary can now be crossed off the list for Xhekaj.
His rights still belong to the Canadiens, but that doesn’t mean the situation has been resolved.
His case remains unusual.
Xhekaj hasn’t fully established himself as an everyday NHL defenseman, and the crowded blue line, especially on the left side, continues to raise questions about his future in Montreal.
Calgary had drawn attention in recent months as a team with serious interest in acquiring the Sheriff.
But Di Marco, of Daily Faceoff, closed that door today.
According to him, Calgary should no longer be part of the equation surrounding Xhekaj.
The team was interested at one point, but no longer views Xhekaj as a “fit” after Craig Conroy acquired Jacob Middleton this summer.
Jake Middleton closes Calgary’s door on Arber Xhekaj
Here’s what the reporter had to say about the situation:
“Per sources, while the Flames had previously shown interest in Xhekaj, they no longer see him as a fit after acquiring Jake Middleton from the Wild.”
That appears to settle the matter.
The possibility of Arber Xhekaj joining the Calgary Flames now appears to be over before it ever really began.
Middleton’s profile explains why the Flames decided to close that door.
Like Xhekaj, he’s a left-shot defenseman who isn’t afraid of physical play. He’s rugged and built for a third-pair role.
Middleton is signed through the end of the 2028-29 season at $4.35 million per year.
He was involved in the trade that sent Blake Coleman to the Wild.
Having two players with similar profiles doesn’t make much sense within the same defensive group.
Calgary has filled its need for physicality on the left side.
The market isn’t limited to the Flames.
The Philadelphia Flyers remain among the teams keeping a close eye on the situation.
Even without Calgary, there’s still a market for Xhekaj.
Will the defenseman, who hasn’t always been in Martin St-Louis’ good graces, begin the season in Montreal?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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