Arber Xhekaj<\/a> in recent weeks.<\/p>\nBut Kent Hughes doesn’t appear eager to trade Xhekaj easily. Far from it.<\/p>\n
That’s the picture David Pagnotta painted during the DFO Rundown.<\/p>\n
He set the record straight on the possibility of Xhekaj being traded.<\/p>\n
According to Pagnotta, the interest in No. 72 is very real.<\/p>\n
Several teams have tested the waters, curious to find out what price the Canadiens would accept to let him go.<\/p>\n
But Montreal’s answer has been clear.<\/p>\n
Pagnotta reports that the organization places real value on Xhekaj and is far from looking to move him.<\/p>\n
“There are teams that have expressed over the last few weeks interest in trading for Arber Xhekaj, but the Canadiens have valued him.”<\/p>\n
– David Pagnotta<\/p>\n
Kent Hughes sets a high bar for an Arber Xhekaj trade<\/p>\n
Xhekaj’s toughness partly explains that attachment, along with the fact that he’s an exceptional teammate in the locker room.<\/p>\n
Few defensemen offer that combination of physicality and an intimidating presence on the ice while also being a locker-room favorite.<\/p>\n
If Montreal wants to keep him, the Flames, Flyers and other interested teams will have to adjust their expectations.<\/p>\n
Valuing a player doesn’t mean refusing every offer, of course.<\/p>\n
A strong proposal could always make Canadiens management think twice, but Kent Hughes clearly isn’t prioritizing that scenario right now. Far from it.<\/p>\n
The situation remains unresolved.<\/p>\n
Will a team offer enough to sway Hughes, who for now would rather keep his defenseman?<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
7 HOURS AGO|264 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Kent Hughes sends a strong message to teams interested in trading for Arber Xhekaj<\/p>\n
Will a team offer enough to convince the Canadiens to part with Arber Xhekaj?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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