Major sign-and-trade could get pulled off before September deadline

Summer is winding down and the Montreal Canadiens' training camp is fast approaching, but general manager Kent Hughes still has several unresolved files on his desk. Among them, the contract situation of defenseman Arber Xhekaj has become a growing talking point, and one prominent reporter believes a specific scenario could play out in the coming weeks.

According to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette, both Xhekaj and forward Zachary Bolduc remain unsigned as restricted free agents. Cowan suggests that the lack of new deals is far from coincidental.

The veteran journalist believes both players could be involved in sign-and-trade transactions before September 16, the date when the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement takes effect.

This type of move would not be unprecedented for the organization. Just last summer, Montreal used the same mechanism to acquire Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders after the defenseman agreed to an eight-year, $76 million contract as a restricted free agent.

The logic surrounding Xhekaj is reportedly straightforward. If Hughes manages to land an experienced right-shot defenseman to pair with Lane Hutson, there simply would not be a regular spot on the blue line for the 25-year-old physical blueliner. Other teams would presumably covet his services, giving Montreal useful leverage in any negotiations.

Hughes has been open about what he is looking for. He is actively pursuing a top-end forward, ideally a second-line center, along with a veteran right-handed defenseman. The GM has indicated that a trade could materialize in September or October, while stressing that he would not make a "stupid trade" just to appease fans in the short term.

Xhekaj, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound left-shot defenseman who went undrafted, posted one goal and three assists for four points across 65 games last season while racking up 116 penalty minutes.

Bolduc's situation is somewhat different. The 23-year-old forward turned heads during the most recent playoff run, collecting seven points in 19 games while delivering 47 hits, the second-highest total on the team behind Kaiden Guhle. Montreal reportedly does not want to part with him, but Cowan notes the unavoidable reality of the trade market: acquiring a high-end forward typically requires giving up meaningful pieces in return.

All eyes remain on Hughes as the September 16 CBA deadline draws closer, with the potential for a creative roster reshaping that could alter the look of Montreal's blue line heading into the new season.