Canucks could trade for Arber Xhekaj as his future with the Montreal Canadiens could be coming to an end

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Maverick Mitchell
October 27, 2024 (5:26 PM)

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Event though the Montreal Canadiens have inserted Arber Xhekaj back in the lineup, the team is still pondering his future. If the Canadiens decide to move on from the power defenseman, he could be the exact upgrade the Vancouver Canucks should consider trading for.

After a strong pre-season, Xhekaj's undisciplined play, and bad pinches have cost the team games, which is the most likely explanation to his limited ice time this season.

One thing is for certain is that he can handle himself on the ice with his fists and physical play, but he also has solid offensive upside too, but with the Canadiens already filled with talent in Mike Matheson and rookie Lane Hutson, his roster spot could be threatened.

According to Jean-Charles Lajoie from TVA Sports, Arber Xhekaj could be on his way out Montreal.

«Clearly, he hasn't had the start of the season he was hoping for. Why? Obviously, primarily due to his own mistakes, but it would be simplistic to blame it all on him.»

«He entered the preseason like a bull in rut he wanted to impose his rule he broke everything in his path.»

«Do you think everyone was thrilled with Arber's actions? You can believe it if you want, but I refuse to drink that Kool-Aid.»

«The actions taken by Arber were not exactly bright I think the traces of his behavior are visible on the ice when he plays this season.»

«I like Arber a lot, but I am convinced that he is not in the organization's medium-term plans.»

«There isn't a player or manager who likes losing a game due to pure and simple acts of indiscipline from one of the team's players»

Why the Vancouver Canucks should try to acquire Arber Xekaj

With Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced that the team is upgrade their top-4 defenseman group and with fan favorite Xhekaj potentially on the move, the team should make a deal to acquire him.

The 23-year-old heavy weight has amazing upside and it would be foolish not to go after him. He could play more free with the Canucks as the expectations from Martin St-Louis seem to have pushed him to focus more on defense, at the expense of his offensive abilities.