Trade completed with the Minnesota Wild settles the Arber Xhekaj situation for Conroy
Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
A trade completed by Calgary has just changed the outlook surrounding Arber Xhekaj.
The acquisition of Jake Middleton takes the Flames out of the running.
A relatively minor trade between the Flames and the Minnesota Wild has a direct impact on Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.
That’s according to Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco.
The development removes one of the teams most often mentioned as a potential destination for the Canadiens’ physical defenseman.
By acquiring Middleton this summer, Calgary filled the exact role Xhekaj could have occupied there.
“While the Flames had previously shown interest in Xhekaj, they no longer see him as a fit after acquiring Jake Middleton from the Wild.”
It comes down to the profiles of the two players.
Like Xhekaj, Middleton is a physical, left-shot defenseman who isn’t afraid to mix it up.
Calgary’s long-term commitment to Middleton closes the door on Xhekaj speculation
The commitment to Middleton confirms it.
The defenseman is signed through the end of the 2028-29 season at $4.35 million per year.
This isn’t a temporary solution.
A contract of that length shows Calgary views Middleton as its long-term answer on the left side of the third pairing.
The veteran was part of the trade that sent Blake Coleman to the Wild on July 2.
That situation has already been settled.
At the same time, does Kent Hughes actually want to trade Xhekaj?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
5 HOURS AGO|423 ANSWERS
Trade completed with the Minnesota Wild settles the Arber Xhekaj situation for Conroy
Does the Flames’ withdrawal really reduce the chances of Arber Xhekaj being traded?