Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The snub toward Arber Xhekaj is now glaring, and Kent Hughes absolutely has to make a move to solidify his defensive corps.
The numbers are clear: the Sheriff skated just a meager 5 minutes and 51 seconds in Minnesota on Monday night.
That’s practically the norm lately, as he’s played under ten minutes in five of his last six games.
Let’s be honest, the coaching staff clearly doesn’t trust him in the sixth-defenseman role.
The need for a big, veteran presence to stabilize the top six is becoming urgent.
What are the options for Kent Hughes? According to TVA Sports, here are five interesting and realistic options for the Canadiens.
Connor Murphy of the Blackhawks becomes a logical target with over 800 games under his belt.
The 6-foot-4 bruiser will become a free agent this summer and Chicago is in sell-off mode.
If the Hawks retain part of his $4.4M salary, it suddenly becomes very attractive for Montreal.
If experience is the priority, Luke Schenn is an affordable option with the Jets going nowhere.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion isn’t the fastest anymore, but he doesn’t back down from anyone.
Intriguing big-body options to replace Arber Xhekaj with the Montreal Canadiens
“The Montreal Canadiens appear to have a slight lack of confidence in Arber Xhekaj, who currently occupies the role of the team’s sixth defenseman, and there are reasons to wonder whether the club will be active on the trade market.
The Canadiens could therefore be looking for an experienced, big-bodied defenseman to truly solidify their top six. General manager Kent Hughes has no room to maneuver under the salary cap and will have to get creative.”
– TVA Sports
Still in Winnipeg, Logan Stanley is finally having the breakout season many expected, already with nine goals this year.
His value has never been higher, but a 6-foot-7 monster changes a team’s dynamic.
You also can’t ignore the local pipeline with Laval product Vincent Desharnais, who has revived his career in San Jose.
His playoff experience with Edmonton and long reach make him an ideal candidate.
Finally, Braden Schneider of the Rangers would be the home-run swing for the future at just 24 years old.
He’s solid, disciplined, and will become a restricted free agent on July 1.
The only catch is the history between Jeff Gorton and Chris Drury, which makes any deal complicated.
But with New York rebuilding after a disastrous season, anything is possible.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Five names emerge as possible replacements for Arber Xhekaj in Montreal
Does Arber Xhekaj still have a place in the regular lineup of the Montreal Canadiens?