Flames reportedly tried to trade for Arber Xhekaj

The Calgary Flames were among the NHL teams that attempted to pry Arber Xhekaj away from the Montreal Canadiens at last season's trade deadline, according to a report from Herb Zurkowsky of The Montreal Gazette. The revelation adds another layer to what has become a complicated summer for the bruising blueliner, who remains unsigned as a restricted free agent with training camp just weeks away.

Calgary's pursuit and widespread interest

A source told The Gazette that the Flames expressed interest in acquiring Xhekaj around the trade deadline, though the two sides were ultimately unable to consummate a deal. Calgary was not alone in its pursuit. The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly had their eye on Xhekaj as far back as two seasons ago, packaging their interest alongside former Canadiens forward Sean Monahan. However, Toronto's front office has since undergone a significant overhaul, with John Chayka stepping in as general manager and Jim Hiller replacing Craig Berube behind the bench.

More recently, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that multiple teams have reached out to Montreal about Xhekaj's availability this summer. The Philadelphia Flyers, in particular, have maintained a longstanding interest in the Hamilton native, which fits neatly with the organization's historical emphasis on toughness and physicality. Despite the attention from around the league, the Canadiens have reportedly shown no inclination to move Xhekaj, valuing what he brings to the team's identity.

It is easy to understand why teams are drawn to a player like Xhekaj. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, the left-shot defenceman plays a punishing, old-school style that is increasingly rare in today's NHL. He delivers bone-rattling hits, willingly drops the gloves, and provides a physical presence that no other player on Montreal's roster can replicate. For a rebuilding franchise like Calgary, acquiring a player of Xhekaj's ilk could serve a dual purpose: giving him more ice time to develop as a well-rounded defenceman while also setting a tone for the young players the organization is bringing through the pipeline.

A complicated situation in Montreal

While the interest from other clubs is flattering, Xhekaj's situation in Montreal is far from straightforward. The 25-year-old earned a modest US$1.3 million last season but saw his role diminish significantly under head coach Martin St. Louis. Xhekaj averaged a career-low 11:25 of ice time per game during the regular season and saw that number drop to just 8:06 per game in the playoffs. He did not dress at all for the five-game Eastern Conference final series against Carolina, a telling sign of where he stood in the coaching staff's trust hierarchy.

There were moments throughout the season when Xhekaj appeared uncertain of his role. Questions lingered about whether he should embrace his natural fighting instincts or rein them in to avoid penalties and the coach's displeasure. On more than one occasion, he found himself glued to the end of the bench during critical stretches of close games. The Canadiens even experimented with him as a fourth-line forward during a March contest in Carolina, where he played just over five minutes and registered five hits.

Statistically, it was a tough year. In 65 regular-season games, Xhekaj recorded just one goal and three assists with a minus-8 goal differential. His penalty-killing usage was virtually nonexistent, averaging a mere 19 seconds of shorthanded time per game, a puzzling figure for someone with his size and physicality. He did improve to a plus-5 rating during the postseason, but the limited minutes told their own story.

Adding to the complexity is Montreal's logjam on the blue line. Jayden Struble appears to have leapfrogged Xhekaj on the depth chart, offering similar physicality with superior skating ability. Meanwhile, the organization needs to find room for prospects like David Reinbacher, the fifth overall pick from 2023, and Adam Engstrom, both of whom are knocking on the door from AHL Laval.

Xhekaj's agent, Brian Bartlett, has maintained a calm tone throughout the process, expressing confidence that a deal can still be reached. He noted that communication with Montreal's management group has been positive and that both sides are working to determine where Xhekaj fits within the team's structure. Bartlett did not file for arbitration, a move that helps avoid any unnecessary friction.

General manager Kent Hughes holds the leverage as the controlling party of Xhekaj's restricted free agent rights, but the longer the standoff continues, the louder the trade speculation will grow. If Calgary, Philadelphia, or any other interested team comes calling with the right offer, Montreal may eventually have to weigh whether holding onto Xhekaj serves the franchise's long-term interests. For now, the Canadiens appear committed to keeping the fan favourite in the fold, but the clock is ticking as training camp approaches.