yardbarker
Arber Xhekaj's contract status for the upcoming season remains unresolved, with the Montreal Canadiens still holding his rights. The defenseman could sign at any moment, but as of now, no agreement has been reached.
Xhekaj's situation is particularly intriguing given his uncertain standing with the team. He has not secured a regular spot in the lineup, and the Canadiens' depth on the left side of the blue line raises questions about his long-term future in Montreal.
Recent speculation had linked the Calgary Flames as a possible destination, but according to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, that possibility is now off the table. The Flames, who previously expressed interest, have changed their stance after acquiring Jacob Middleton from the Minnesota Wild this summer.
Key Analysis
Middleton, a left-handed defenseman known for his physical style, fits a similar profile to Xhekaj. He is a sturdy presence suited for a third-pairing role and is under contract through the 2028-29 season at an annual cap hit of $4.35 million. Notably, Middleton was part of the trade that sent Blake Coleman to the Wild on July 2.
Despite the Flames stepping back, the Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as another team monitoring Xhekaj's situation. While a trade is not guaranteed, the interest from multiple clubs indicates a market exists for the young defenseman.
Whether Xhekaj, who has had an inconsistent relationship with head coach Martin St-Louis and whose agent has described Kent Hughes as a tough negotiator, will start the season in Montreal remains to be seen. The coming weeks will provide clarity on his future.
Originally reported by yardbarker.