Nothing new on the Arber Xhekaj front
Daily Faceoff: David Pagnotta, when asked about Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Irfaan Gaffar: “Let’s go to Montreal, Arber Xhekaj, and the Montreal Canadiens. Obviously, Montreal has all their superstars locked up to long-term contracts. The latest being Ivan Demidov. But Arber Xhekaj, obviously a piece of business that they probably want to get done. Now, to have that sandpaper, just, you know, be on that roster for a) protection of all these young guys.
Pagnotta: “Yeah, and at the time we’re doing this right now, the update is status quo conversationally between the Habs and and Xhekaj.
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They’re not the only one that want to have that sandpaper in the lineup. There are other teams that have expressed over the last few weeks interest in trading for Arber Xhekaj, but Canadians have valued him for some time, and, and they haven’t pulled the trigger because a) they haven’t found a deal they want because b) they want to keep the player. You’ve got to kind of convince them to make that happen.
So the, the very quick update with respect to Xhekaj and the Canadians, despite interest from other teams, trade interest from other teams, and I mean Philadelphia has been one, and they’ve had interest in him for the last couple of years. Still the case now, but nothing kind of imminent on that front just yet.
And then contractually, status quo, they’ll continue to go back and forth to try to see if they can bridge whatever their gap is. Both sides are being very quiet on that side.”
NHLRumors.com note: Arber Xhekay is coming off a two-year deal with a $1.3 million AAV, and is offer sheet eligible. The 25-year-old defenseman played in 65 games last season, his fourth season in the NHL. Offense isn’t his game, only four points last year, but he racked up 116 penalty minutes and 159 hits.
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For years, teams have wanted to trade for Xhekaj and the Canadiens have always said they weren’t interested in trading him. The Canadiens are still looking to add a top-six forward. Would they consider putting Xhekaj in a package for a top-six forward?
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