The Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj is the subject of trade rumors, so if the team decides to let go of the young blueliner, they may have to face a harsh reality.

On Monday’s edition of “The Hockey Writers Roundtable,” experts Jacob Billington and Matthew Zator pointed out that there might not be much of a market for Xhekaj at the moment.

Analysts raised questions about Xhekaj’s skill set and whether it is sufficient to guarantee a long-term position in an NHL team, despite the defenseman’s toughness on the ice.

“If you’re not making the Montreal Canadiens defense group, you’re not that good,” Billington said. “I don’t see a big market for a guy like Xhekaj.

” Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) plays the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning. David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The Canadiens’ rebuilding phase and their current struggles could lead the franchise to try and change some pieces in an effort to boost their chances of improving their outlook.

Montreal’s challenges in finding consistent ice time for Xhekaj, however, could also diminish his perceived value among potential suitors willing to entertain trade talks for the blueliner.

Billington also noted Xhekaj’s niche role–a physical presence rather than a critical piece on the blue line–as a potential negative in trade negotiations.

Xhekaj is also known for his borderline illegal style of play, which has earned him unfair calls from NHL referees. Some analysts and fans even believe that the league is targeting and trying to send him a message so he tone down his physicality.

Sean Couturier clips Kirby Dach in the neutral zone, Arber Xhekaj takes exception and tries to fight Couturier, and Nick Seeler absolutely shuts it down

 

Couturier and Dach kept the conversation going across benches pic.twitter.com/2ljXtz6Gm7 — B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 27, 2024

 

Xhekaj jumped to defend his teammate and took on Philadelphia Flyers winger Sean Couturier on Sunday after Couturier hit Kirby Dach of Montreal with a strong hit.

However, the stalemate was turned into a two-on-one when Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler unexpectedly hit Xhekaj with an unwarranted punch before the fight could start.

Despite Seeler’s intervention, the authorities cited Xhekaj for unsportsmanlike behavior at the conclusion of the altercation.