CALGARY FLAMES WANT ARBER XHEKAJ: TRADE FOR 9TH OVERALL PICK? Montreal Canadiens Rumours

STAY SAFE ONLINE with ExpressVPN, the internet's #1 trusted virtual private network! Get 3 MONTHS FREE @ www.expressvpn.com/legorocks99 #ad
SUPPORT the channel with SUPER THANKS! Contributors will be recognized with individualized comments, and my sincerest gratitude. CLICK the "$ THANKS" button to get started!
Let's talk about Montreal Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj, and how the Calgary Flames want him in a trade.
Article: www.thefourthperiod.com/pagno...
Flames 9th OVR: www.danslescoulisses.com/arbe...
This video is taking place after the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and after the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The 2023 NHL Draft 1st Round went as follows:
1st) Chicago Blackhawks, Connor Bedard
2nd) Anaheim Ducks, Leo Carlsson
3rd) Columbus Blue Jackets, Adam Fantilli
4th) San Jose Sharks, Will Smith
5th) Montreal Canadiens, David Reinbacher
6th) Arizona Coyotes, Dmitri Simashev
7th) Philadelphia Flyers, Matvei Michkov
8th) Washington Capitals, Ryan Leonard
9th) Detroit Red Wings, Nate Danielson
10th) St. Louis Blues, Dalibor Dvorsky
11th) Vancouver Canucks, Tom Willander
12th) Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators), Daniil But
13th) Buffalo Sabres, Zach Benson
14th) Pittsburgh Penguins, Brayden Yager
15th) Nashville Predators, Matthew Wood
16th) Calgary Flames, Samuel Honzek
17th) Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks), Axel Sandin Pellikka
18th) Winnipeg Jets, Colby Barlow
19th) Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning), Oliver Moore
20th) Seattle Kraken, Eduard Sale
21st) Minnesota Wild, Charlie Stramel
22nd) Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets), Oliver Bonk
23rd) New York Rangers, Gabe Perreault
24th) Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers), Tanner Molendyk
25th) St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs), Otto Stenberg
26th) San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils), Quentin Musty
27th) Colorado Avalanche, Calum Ritchie
28th) Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals), Easton Cowan
29th) St. Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers), Theo Lindstein
30th) Carolina Hurricanes, Bradley Nadeau
31st) Colorado Avalanche (from Florida Panthers via Montreal Canadiens), Mikhail Gulyayev
32nd) Vegas Golden Knights, David Edstrom
This video is also taking place after 2023 NHL Season, and after the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Florida Panthers in the Finals.
Twitter: @LR99Gaming
Portfolio: giopalermo.ca/
Twitch: legorocks99
#NHL #NHLNews #NHLTrade #NHLTrades#NHLTradeRumours #NHLNewsToday #NHLDraft #NHLProspects #Canadiens #MontrealCanadiens #Montreal #Habs #CanadiensNews #HabsNews #GoHabsGo #Flames #CalgaryFlames #Calgary #CofRed
Hi. I'm "Gio Palermo", also known as "legorocks99" ("legorocks99Gaming", "LR99Gaming", or "LR99"). I post video game commentaries on KZbin revolving around "hockey", with a primary focus on "Vancouver Canucks", "Montreal Canadiens", "Detroit Red Wings", and top "NHL prospects" topics. These videos are uploaded with "NHL 24" gameplay in the background. I enjoy making these videos and I hope that you enjoy watching them!
legorocks99 and all its denominations function under "Gio Palermo Media Inc."

[@dougiesherwin9591]

If Calgary wanted Arber, they should have shopped in Costco!!

[@Davidov956]

😂😂😂😂

[@darrenhunt4011]

Omg that's the best 😊

[@guitarmemoir]

The Flames would never trade 9th overall for a 23 year old defenseman who has played less than 100 NHL games. You just saw them trade Zadorov who is more established, bigger and frankly much better for a fifth round pick and a deferred third round pick. Xhekaj is younger, and could be under team control for longer, but we don't know that because he isn't even signed.

[@joellepage8764]

you don't find this kind of player everywhere. I'm keeping him and trying to sign him for the next 8 years

[@macrost8935]

@ScottStenlund Rempe and Reaves aren't good at hockey lmao, if fighting suddenly dissappear both of them are out of job.

[@brendanaucoin]

@ScottStenlund if he,s gone at 7 being prepared for another scenario is smart planning. That lessens mistakes.

[@dominiquepierre9709]

exactly

[@mamagne800]

@ScottStenlund lol you are the perfect example of a casual fan. Rempe Bennet and reaves are forwards by the way 🤣

[@justfred6863]

@@macrost8935 Reaves isn't but Rempe is looking alright especially for his age, isn't he 21?

[@breaka1]

i am a habs fan born and raised and let me tell youu.....WE AINT TRADING THAT GUY TABARNAKKKK!!!!!!!

[@justfred6863]

If you don't do it for a 9th overall pick then you haven't even heard of the players available this year let alone watched them play.

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

@@justfred6863 You also have to wonder where Xhekaj fits in the future. Guhle and Hutson make Xhekaj expendable.

[@justfred6863]

@@RandomPlaceHolderName yea, we have too much left D's. Getting the 9th overall pick for our 7th Dman would be insane. That 9th overall pick could easily be a player like Iginla or Catton, both incredible prospects. Hell even if you want a dman back to make go crazy you could get Dickinson, Silayev or Parekh with some luck.

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

@@justfred6863 I agree. Xhekaj for 9th, you take that pick just for the off chance it turns into a superstar. I like X but the odds he turns into Byfuglien are slim.

[@twe8k]

@@RandomPlaceHolderNamethe chance Xhekaj turned into an NHL player was slim. We hit the lottery with him… So yeah, let’s just give him up and buy another lottery ticket. DUMB.

[@jo12danjames]

Calgary probably calling for the 5th pick to take tij. Offering their 9th and a player like huberdeau for the 5th arber and another prospect.

[@HenryHoolington]

Hang on a second, Flames are trying to build the team around Huberdeau they aren’t throwing him in a trade like he’s a cherry on top

[@jo12danjames]

@@HenryHoolington it clearly hasn't worked out in Calgary. I wouldn't even take that trade if I were mtl.

[@HenryHoolington]

Doesn’t matter. When a team signs an 8 year deal that doesn’t mean they trade the player away in 2 years. The Flames have also confirmed that he is an elite player as long as they can give him players to play with. So Craig Conroy is trying to find young elite talent to pair with him. Huberdeau is also the player you want to foster new draft picks into the NHL. So with montreals deep prospect pool it would be too good of a trade for them. For the Flames, we’re trying to bring in new guys that can learn from him. Maybe Mangiapane is ready for a trade

[@jerryrikki9466]

Huberdeau is a dumpster fire

[@antfo9226]

As a flames fan, I think Conroy would be insane to give up #9 pick. I also think using that Romanov trade as a comparison trade as a comparison is kind of disingenuous because when that trade did happen, no one thought Romanov was worth that haul. Admittedly, I know very little bout Xhekaj, but I think the majority of the flames fan-base would be upset at the trade if it did happen

[@ellaella5537]

lol oh, no, they wouldn’t be upset. Habs fans would be raging. Tons of teams are calling about Xhekaj because of how special he is.

[@antfo9226]

@@ellaella5537 So what is it that makes him worth the value of a #9 pick? That's what I'm not seeing. I've seen in the comments that he fights and has a rocket shot, but 23 points in his career doesn't scream the value of a top 10 pick. I don't think teams would give up #9 for Weegar and he does all the same stuff albeit older

[@lolo32022]

No hesitation I trade for him for the 9th

[@codyovans3531]

Thank you. I get that his story is amazing, but people seem to be conflating their excitement about it with his actual ceiling. Absolute best case scenario he's a #4 D, and all likelihood a good 3rd pairing guy. If a team is stupid enough to give you a top 10 pick for him you take that without thinking twice.

[@jimjeong]

The organization of Flames is not crazy

[@justfred6863]

They kinda are ngl

[@michelraizenne4827]

No way....this guy is a Unicorn.

[@justfred6863]

Look at some mock drafts my guy

[@Davidov956]

and what would you do with Florian his brother?

[@justfred6863]

@@Davidov956 We keep him, no reason to trade him right now. But if another team calls Hughes with a big offer like this one we gotta anwser. You need yo understand that while physicality is important, skill is way more valuable. We got Arber for free and Florian with a 3rd round pick. Tough guys are cheap and if calgary actually gives us the 9th overall pick for Xhekaj its their mistake, lets capitalize on it.

[@TheExecutiveProducermaster]

As a famous quote by a great quebecer philosoper : Bob Gratton Whoever brought this trade proposal ' C t un gros coliss de mongol le grand tabarnak "

[@joshs.9036]

Arber ain't goin' no where baby.

[@cartermiedema9114]

Flames fans dont want him either keep him

[@joshs.9036]

@@cartermiedema9114 Neither does the organization apparently after blowing up their whole defensive squad lolll

[@Taksik]

the amount of casual fans that want to trade him for the 9th pick is depressing

[@FooFahFoeFum]

Celebrini for Arber ... sounds fair

[@phatstackz]

it’s rlly more the casual fans wanting to keep him, the last thing montreal needs is a defensive prospect and the thing they need most is offense, this draft class is absolutely LOADED with offensive talent especially in the top 10, id do this trade pretty easily

[@mamagne800]

@@phatstackz Nah casual fans just can't see what a guy like Xhekaj brings to the table, they just look at the point perspective. Arber brings much more then that on the ice and in the room where he's big time respected believe me. He defends his teammates, clear the front of the net and hit very hard. Arber is a must when we get in the playoff one day. If you can't see that you are obviously a casual fan.

[@justfred6863]

Arber Xhekaj brings alot and has a lot of value as a result, but the 9th overall pick in a stacked draft is way more than what he can bring. Would you rather Xhekaj, or Catton, Eiserman, Inginla... Hell, if you want to replace his D spot you could possibly get Dickinson, Silayev, or Parekh... like ffs man

[@phatstackz]

@@mamagne800 yeah and i agree he brings unique abilities not seen in many players but i’d take a prospect who could be a future point per game scorer 100/100 times

[@jakecarroll5]

We are not trading him for the 9th overall.

[@stephster6762]

I can understand the temptation to use the high value of Xhekaj for a high pick, but, what are the chances that pick becomes a player of that worth. What makes Xhekaj’s worth, is the fact that players like him do not come up often in drafts. 6’4” 230+lbs with a 107mph shot, that can fight and play physical is a GM’s playoff wet dream. He’s just built different and made for playoffs. Even a Macklin Celebrini might not be worth a Xhekaj… let me explain, not talent wise, but imagine a playoff series where both these players go head to head… I think a guy like Xhekaj if he reaches his potential, could become the closest thing to prime Shea Weber. I could even see a world where he’s actually a bit better, because of his skating if he dials in some of the hard core shut down defense that Weber had. Trading him away, is a huge gamble, and even if flashy forwards are sexy, teams need players like Xhekaj to win the important games, because his value goes way beyond points on the board. This is also the reason why MTL drafted a player like Slaf. Wright, Cooley have skill, maybe even more so than Slaf. When the time comes for big games, I like having Slaf on our side, same with Xhekaj.

[@robertkennedy5414]

When he came up as a rookie, my first comparison for him was Lyle Odelein. Size on the blueline, good in his own end, physical presence, will go when he has to, and can provide a little bit of a deterrent for the forward group. Reliable as a middle-pair, defensive defenseman, and paired with the right partner, would get really consistent ice time. I don't think he has the offence to be a Shea Weber, and I don't think he can run a PP like Weber could. He could be a Sheldon Souray, with a heavy shot that's accurate. Pair him with Lane Hutson, let Hutson take the offensive role, and Xhekaj can provide the defensive conscience. I think he fills a role on this team that's beyond the stats sheet, and that's why Hughes is getting the inquiries. Maybe if he could get an elite-level goalie, one that could accelerate the rebuild by a year or two.

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

@@robertkennedy5414 Xhekaj isn't good in his own end nor is he a defensive dman. He'd be on a regular on the PK if he were.

[@mamagne800]

Casual fans that want to trade this guy know 💩 about hockey. The best example is Toronto. Crazy talents but no Xhekaj type of player.

[@guitarmemoir]

Celebrini might not be worth Xhekaj? Give your head a shake.

[@ellaella5537]

@@guitarmemoirCelebrini is going to be the first pick, what are you even going on about? San Jose isn’t trading its first pick. Calgary has the 9th pick.

[@ekeats2425]

Ya this would be great but and as much as I love Arber I’d be all for this and wouldn’t think twice about it, but I think the Flames would be crazy to give up the 9th pick

[@oasisbeyond]

XHEKAJ has one of the hardest shots in the last 20 year's of hokey, he will score 10+ maybe even 15 to 20+ one day if a team plays him more, not only play third parring.

[@mtlhabsss]

Bro love wifi but come on! Habs fan have a reputation of falling in love with their prospects. If the Calgary flames offer you a 9th overall pick at 24 nhl draft. You gotta pull the trigger!

[@maxpatenaude2115]

I really like Arber, but if the Habs can get a Dickinson, Parekh, Buium dman, I would consider it quite seriously. Arber is a multi dimensional 3rd pair dman that brings a lot, physicality, heavy shot, good shutdown dman, protects his teammates, or they can get a future top pair dman in Dickinson Buium etc...if one of them is available. So I dunno, at the end of the day, just rumors and most likely never happen. Im pretty sure Calgary would like to pick 9th overall. So many good players in the top 10

[@robertl8481]

He potentially can do that, he didn't protect any teammates last season(only 3 fighting majors). Despite playing on the second power-play unit with a 107.2 MPH slapshot he only scored 3 goals and was tied for 7th in points among Montreal defensemen.He is a unique player but unless he can stay healthy he will be dropping in the depth chart.

[@benozkleenex]

I am a habs fan and I would do it love Xhekaj but he is a bit overrated by this fanbase and the draft is deep this year so guy at 9 has a lot of chance to be as good as the one at 5.

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

And with Guhle and Hutson on the left, you have to wonder where Xhekaj fits in the future.

[@Theflappingwalrus]

Insane the amount of fans that would keep him instead of moving him for a top 10 pick. His "intangibles" can be replaced, trading a career 6th defensemen for a top 10 pick is a no brainer.

[@screeechbud]

I just can't see a world where a team would give up any of the guys in the top 10 for Xhekaj. He's a decent young player with good size but these players are being drafted under the assumption that they are going to be part of the core of the team. Conroy has been trying to get lasting value for his UFAs and has been loading up on picks/prospects... I could see him trying to send out a 2025 UFA before he tries to send out the Flames' 7th highest pick in team history.

[@bernardbreau4538]

Why would the Canadiens help Calgary this year? They own Calgary's 1st round pick. It would be in the Canadiens best interest to make sure that the Calgary Flames keeps sucking.. at least for the next season.

[@starledge]

Absolutely. Montreal could potentially have 2 top 10 picks in 2025 without giving up anything. Montreal's D is on the brink of becoming very young again, like they were 2 years ago when they finished last overall. If Calgary tanks then even 2 picks in the top 5 is possible. I believe Calgary just lost a veteran D at the trading deadline ... Tanev? edit... the Calgary pick is complicated ... may be top 10 protected.

[@benozkleenex]

Can only be top 10 next year if florida pick is also top 10. Otherwise we get the florida pick.

[@HenryHoolington]

@@benozkleenex And that’s likely not happening yet every Habs fan says it will. MTL will get pick 25+ from Florida

[@benozkleenex]

@@HenryHoolington I think our best case is flames getting 11th pick which would not be protected.

[@cartermiedema9114]

@@starledge its florida's pick if flames continue to be bottom feaders and florida is good again. 99 percen sure youll be getting the 30th pick next year bud. Keep dreaming. Bro forgot to read the 10 page long conditions.

[@Polaflamme]

I love Arber, don’t get me wrong, but for the 9OA, anytime! CGY would never do that though. Mtl have too much prospects and not enough Top 6 potential in the pool.. With 2x Top 10 picks and a lot of assets, i would make sure to draft Demidov (trade-up if needed), and draft nether Catton, Helenius, Sennecke. Imagine, Mtl could end up with Demidov, Catton, Parascak, Poirier.. All this for their own 1st, own 27th (WPG), own 2nd 57th (COL) and Xhekaj. Kent and Gorton would still have the 1st 2025 (CGY), Farrell, Mesar, Kapanen, or even Beck as assets for his "Surprise" Trade. ((Some assets could be gone if trade-up needed)). ANA want RD, 3rd to 5th is not a big deal for them if Levshunov is gone. I would offer Mtl 5th, Barron and a prospect (forward). ANA could then draft Parekh (RD), or Dickinson, Buium….

[@mamagne800]

Just ask yourself the question why all teams are asking about Arber but not about Ghule or Reinbacher or Hudson. You will get your answer.

[@bangbangyoureaboolean1324]

@@mamagne800 lol, the reason teams are asking for him is because they think they can get him cheap. Your comment seems to suggest that Arber is the Habs number 1 D-man. You don't even believe that.

[@ellaella5537]

@@bangbangyoureaboolean1324they can get him cheap, yet the Habs keep refusing trade offers. You don’t make much sense

[@SRScott-mj5wd]

Arber IS the special player a Team in rebuilt mode need has top priority..He make is teamate gros 3" and 20lbs exta when on the ice...MTL never had this kind of players since the John Kordic/Mario Roberge era...He may reach a level very close to what Shea Weber was..;-)

[@Jim-cz6om]

After all this talk, I still can't see Montreal trading Xhekaj. Period. But, I can see them trade the likes of Kovacevic, Barron, and Harris. Not necessarily all together, but if the right trade comes up, at least one is going. Maybe they can trade these three defencemen to Toronto for Marner!!! This way, Toronto may win the cup. "Maybe next year."

[@darkbeast7365]

Like listen I love arber, but got he 9th overall pick, if that was the offer I’m taking that all day, sorry but arber ain’t gonna be a top 4 d in Montreal long term, he’s awesome I think he brings a lot his physicality is awesome for the habs, BUT FOR THE 9th overall pick, a pick that we could use in a trade, a pick that we could draft another good forward, we have to many defence so I would be open to moving arber, i wouldn’t be actively shopping arber but if there’s offers I’m listening

[@ph469]

Wow... if Calgary fir Arber gives us #9 draft, would you consider trading #9 + Mtl #5 for #2 draft position??

[@onepieceofgumleft]

The main reason Calgary is interested in Xhekaj is because , after getting d-man Hunter Brzustewicz in a trade , the Flames are trying to fill out the entire alphabet on their blue line.

[@DarkMatterEclipse]

Xhekaj being undrafted means nothing, he's NHL caliber NOW, an enforcer that plays defense with an upside on offense. Worth a fair bit more than Romanov as Arber's a rare type. It would take a major overpay to convince Hughes, an NHL established gritty top 6. Not a pick or prospect. Plus, Iginla might go before 9th.

[@italianbaboon9970]

For 9th pick I do it in a heartbeat

[@obredaanps3]

There's no way Calgary would give up the 9th pick for Arber? Are they out of their minds? If true than Kent Hughes needs to sign that deal right now and send a thank you message with flowers and chocolates to the Flames.

[@nicotravers9750]

Im a habs fan and i agree.. id gladly take the 9th pick for him. Hes a stud, but thats an amazing return

[@robertkennedy5414]

I don't think that Calgary is trading that pick unless they trade up, so it would be be Xhekaj and the 5th pick, for someone coming back and the 9th. Hughes isn't making that deal. Not for anyone on Calgary's roster.

[@mamagne800]

Ok and how do you know if that 9th pick would be good and/or play even in the NHL?

[@obredaanps3]

@@mamagne800 - I don't, but we're talking about a top 10 pick being swapped for a guy who was undrafted and isn't a top 2 or 3 defenseman on your roster at this point in his career. I love the guy and would rather keep him but if the Flames are willing to give up the 9th pick, take it!

[@sheikhennotstirred]

What does he say at the end!

[@fogboundturtle]

that trade would be a mistake for Montreal.

[@FooFahFoeFum]

Arbor for Celebribi or Demidov ????????????????????????????????????

[@mikegaudet6264]

then he will be there at 5th

[@justfred6863]

@@FooFahFoeFum Wtf are you talking about

[@justfred6863]

Some players that might be available at 9th : Catton, Inginla, Eiserman, Dickinson, Silayev, Parekh.

[@TonyMelo-qe5pr]

The only way I’d give up the sheriff. If it was for this years first pick over all if you think I’m crazy too bad but that how much this guy means to the team look at all the rough play in the playoffs we need him not only to play well like I. Sure he can but to keep other teams in check about messing with out players once we are in the playoff and that maybe this year but for sure the following next year

[@GiovannisKitchen]

He is on my "wish list" as a Hawks fan, as well.

[@alkinineprodigy3902]

I’m sorry Lego but you can’t compare the draft when we got the 13th overall to this one haha

[@pynnball]

This is the craziest click bait video ever. Just cause nyi are insane doesn’t mean Calgary are. Not worth 9th. That’s insane

[@mamagne800]

Because you are lacking on analyzing hockey players but that's ok.

[@pynnball]

@@mamagne800 and you clearly have never seen a trade or a draft. Didn’t he play in the ahl this season as well? A top defenceman in the league is worth a top 10 pick. Not a fringe player on the HABS

[@maxpatenaude2115]

Well, what's funny is, Kent Hughes would probably reject this offer. Arber brings so much to this team

[@pynnball]

@@maxpatenaude2115 which one nhl or ahl? Doesn’t he project to be a bottom pairing D. What the heck is going on here

[@dillski2059]

No trade. next question ?....good were done here.

[@Unholy_Louie]

Nah. Unique player. He's going to be a loyal player for us. He'll never forget how he got there. Other teams lost their chance, period. BUUUuuut, we do have other Ds that will have awesome careers. We cannot keep them all, even those we like the best. IMHO we have 4 Ds that are untouchable. You guys know which ones!

[@mikeking9696]

I love Xhekaj but let me say if Lindstrom or Demidov land to us at 5, then Calgary offers us number 9 and Senecke is available? I have to think Hughes may consider this! Giving up a big strong dman and bringing in a big strong wonger and centre! Imagine Lindstrom and Senecke in our top 6? Along with Slaf and Dach we are suddenly heavy up front!

[@stevefowler4427]

Problem with that is, we would be down a big strong D man in our line up. Xhekaj is the best shot blocking shutdown D the team has. Most Defensemen take longer to reach their potential. He's one of them. The team is 2 wingers and a goalie away from competing in the playoffs. I'd say let's just continue the build and not push the panic button just yet.

[@r_p_m7330]

Calgary will end up with Struble for much less.

[@realbeetlejuice]

Yes. Trade him. Arber already has 2 shoulder surgeries.

[@SRScott-mj5wd]

Well, lots of good players did have both shoulder surgeries and managed to have long productive NHL careers...Cpt. Guy Carbonneau (5'10"/180lbs), won three Stanley cup and had both shoulder surgeries in is junior time and before he started his NHL career with the Habs...;-)

[@THEGDB]

If you trade arber you have to be 100% sure that struble can take his spot in the lineup ,montreal is a better team with arber but with the way the defenseman are going to slot both short term and long , arber will be a 3rd pairing dman , if you can turn a 3rd pairing dman into a top 6 forward , you almost have to do that . Defense is a spot where montreal has to many players and not enough roster spots , tough trades of defenseman are going to happen. Personally I like the long term top 6 of Matheson,guhle Hudson,reinbacher, arber , Logan.

[@djclovissio2338]

Nope I don't think Struble is part of the future of the habs. Ghule, Matheson, Hutson, Xhekaj, Engstrom are basically better options. Struble would be a great 7th D but I'd see Kovacevic fit more that role

[@YS122Y]

Xhekaj is to much in demand to be able to keep him. The new GM's team does not like that kind of player (like Romanov). He's gone.

[@2Jim2u]

Can't Montreal be happy with just the 26th overall ?? I mean trying to take the Flames 1st round pick for a guy who sits in the penalty box as much as he does, is kind of pressing it don't you think?

[@vdac1068]

Don’t flip Wifi unless you’re sure that you are getting Tij Iginla at draft.

[@WW3_Soon]

The Flames want Arber WiFi because they want him to beat up the Oilers’ Corey Perry.

[@mikegravel5310]

For the 9th pick i do it

[@JJ............................]

I think it would be stupid for them to trade that pick for Xhekaj when Yakemchuk will still be available. Another big d with more offensive upside. It would be even more stupid to trade that pick if Silayev falls to them in the draft.

[@hoowiegalooie]

I wouldn't trade Arber. He's a pugilist who can play. A rare combination. Another Probert, perhaps. Having said that, if you overwhelm me, then maybe. Two first rounders is my fee.

[@ggardoz]

I’m a Xhekaj fan, but if this idea is real, trade him away. You can get another top offense guy for the 9th pick, and our defense future is looking good

[@darrenpinard1658]

Hot take but if they can develop his game Xhekaj could become a Trouba style physical playoff force.

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

NYR trades Trouba for the 9th overall. He's overrated.

[@HappySqrl]

Calgary isn't trading the #9 overall.

[@starledge]

From a non partisan point a view, I agree. Calgary stands to draft a good prospect at 9th this year. I don't think it makes sense for anyone in the top 12 or 15 to give up their pick, not this year.

[@ruggs78]

Do NOT trade Xhekaj!!! He will be a game changer and will be needed come playoff time.

[@user-qo1gk2kj3e]

Xhekaj is untouchable. Of course everyone wants Arber Xhekaj...going to be Habs #1 dman

[@SRScott-mj5wd]

Arber is there to stay...him and a few other talented 6'3" / 210lbs+ guy's are needed to this rebuilt...MTL has like 5-6 smallish players...keep Caufield and Hutson is enough...get the big forward/Defencemen now...Playoff time shows witch bigger gridder players team wins the Cup..;-)

[@hueything228]

9th is pretty fair value... zadarov was a 16th overall pick

[@marcbabineau6001]

@ScottStenlund ur dumb

[@mtlhabsss]

@ScottStenlund a “ 4th liner” ? You mean a third pairing defenseman ? There’s no such a thing as a 4th liner when you’re referring to a defenseman

[@bowriver1]

I don't believe this one bit. Nobody is trading a top 10 pick in this draft. The Flames have 19 million in cap space for free agents if they want, 25 million when they trade Markstrom. This draft is too deep for Conny to make this dumb trade.

[@mauricebrosseau9181]

Calgary doesn't anyone close to trade for Arber?

[@TheRickRoller1]

No. Xhekaj is a potential Weber-style defensemen. And he cost the Habs nothing. AND the Jabs need big players like him right now. Just keep him and see what he does.

[@ch0ke66]

Sure

[@stockey]

I really love Arber, but for the ninth pick, there will be some very good players available there.

[@deanromanado5850]

Then you combine 9th and Winnipeg pick ( 26th I think ) and maybe move to 6th or 7th

[@macrost8935]

@@deanromanado5850 There is really no point in doing that, there would be a very good player at 9th, but Arber isn't getting moved

[@abserimusic]

9th means nothing, the actual drafted player has to be more valuable during a playoff run than X. That's doubtful.

[@christianshaw9102]

No one in the draft can bring what arber brings. He's a specimen

[@yanojanselvanayagam134]

@ScottStenlund he’s a defenceman

[@PoppPopp-tl7pv]

Ain’t no way wifi worth a 1st round pick

[@cartermiedema9114]

Noone would do this

[@pnantais1111]

A 9th overall pick for HIM? Is this a joke?

[@juliencormier8760]

No go on trading Xhekaj! This guy is a playoff ready and irreplaceable IMO.

[@alecvincent7609]

Xhekaj for the 9th overall pick (ridiculous, there's no way anyone even offers a 1st for that guy let alone a top 10 pick) and Habs fans are saying no HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@mikegaudet6264]

arber , mailloux , guhle and reinbacher also hutson not going any where for 3 years .

[@starledge]

At least 3 years ... they are the rebuilt D ... mistake to start undoing that.

[@eremselle]

NO WAY

[@TORHABSFAN1]

I love WiFi, but for the 9th overall pick, I'd happily drive him to the airport.

[@mikemaltais4403]

Yeah not even close on the 9. What is Montreal throwing in? Something way bigger than arber

[@jmanjman284]

Not worth a 1st... not even close.

[@Goodstandards11000]

FUCKIN DO IT!!!!!!!!! 9th overall for an undrafted player!! GO GO GO.. imagine you can get Demidov and parekh or something

[@dougiesherwin9591]

Demidov won't be there at 9th, but Sennecke, Catton, Parekh, Iginla, etc might be.

[@jimchoo7670]

@@dougiesherwin9591- that’s what he means. He’s hoping Demidov falls to 5th and Parekh to 9th.

[@Goodstandards11000]

@@dougiesherwin9591 what? At 5th you get Demidov and then at 9th you can select a dman like parekh

[@by-rc3nl]

I feel Xhejak has more upside than Parekh. Parekh is all offense, we have Hutson. We need a big D to protect our players.

[@mike8099m]

Demidov will go top 3 no chance at 5 maybe lindstrom if he doesn’t go at four.

[@centerhice7948]

Arber s too important of piece for habs future plans going forward

[@jacquescote-bt7rv]

Keep X for sure.

[@qelipq-6383]

The way Xhekaj has been progressing and his history of being a late bloomer I definitely wouldn’t trade him for the 9th overall pick. I also don’t think Calgary would do this trade

[@martinpaul9831]

Amber is a very rare player in today's NHL, he is raw but improving, even Montreal can get lucky once in awhile, the intangibles that he has, r coached out of kids today as they are viewed as old school ,of no use . Until he is on your team

[@NorvalMitchell]

No. We are giving up an important piece of a winning team going forward.

[@bangbangyoureaboolean1324]

Before I even watch the video, for a 9th overall, it hurts, but I do it. I don't think about it. I just do it. You have a potential superstar at 9th. Arber is a 3rd line D.

[@reneguay1347]

He's a 3rd liner because st louis wont play him

[@ShaneLavigne-ke2rh]

No way they need toughness and who can score trade someone else not him no way go HABS

[@Habsfan56744]

If Calgary offer the habs the 9th pick for xhekaj I would do that in a heart beat

[@lennyshow5146]

You need to stay far from habs management if you want us to win a cup

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

@@lennyshow5146 What are the odds he outplays Hutson or Guhle? At some point, mgmt has to pull the trigger and trade a valuable young dman to improve the forward group. Trading Xhekaj hurts but for 9OA, it makes sense.

[@starledge]

Hughes acquired 10 defence prospects since January 2022. Three of those 10 prospects are on the roster now, or very soon -- Hutson, Reinbacher, Xhekaj. Trading Xhekaj does not help his rebuild effort on defence, is a step backwards. They spent 2 seasons developing him. The infant defence is entering the development phase, for the next 3 years. Pagnotta and Brisebois are just pushing speculative hype, need something to write about that generates interest.

[@fn7894]

The game is too fast for Xhekaj… Do it now before he loses value.

[@johnnygag1]

I wouldn't trade him,

[@TerryRowsell-ov9rv]

As much as I want the Habs to keep Arber, I would not trade him to Calgary [UNLESS EGINLA IS STILL AVAILABLE] at the 9th pick & I would want a sure bet offensive prospect along with the trade. It makes no difference that Arber was brought in at no cost to the Habs, [VALUE IS VALUE] & that's the way it is & should always be.

[@category7273]

You will never get a 9th overall pick for Wifi, keep dreaming

[@bowriver1]

Nah I'm out after 5 min

[@MrDeefleparde]

Xhekaj over a 9th overall pick? i.e. A bottom pairing D for a top of the lineup blue chipper? Good god, what are you people out east smoking. If Conroy made such I deal, I would personally lead the riots.

[@cartermiedema9114]

Of course it was a French writer, they over value everything, WE dont want him keep him ok?

[@alexandremartel516]

What if Hughes could trade arber for the 9th... turns around and flip it along with our 5th and maybe a throw in for the 2nd overall... not sure I'd be willing to see it happen just a thought

[@TheSchwarzengger]

I would do Xhekaj for 9th overall pick

[@northy4119]

Every defenseman picked in the top 10 of this draft will be miles better than Xhekaj. This is pure delusion.

[@sebcharb7313]

mmm no.

[@vernonhowell4070]

Xhekaj isn’t even an every night NHL defenceman. He’s a terrible skater and at best a 5th or 6th dman. Any GM giving up a first round pick for this guy should be fired immediately.

[@borntobeahab6336]

Click

[@cartermiedema9114]

Bad for both teams.

[@user-vz1wz3ir6f]

Unless you stop pronouncing players names incorrectly, I'm cancelling my subscription. For the love of all that is holy, it is "Jack-eye". Not Jjjakk-eye. You do this to several players names.

[@keres666]

Habs draft Tij #5 and force it lol. Or you do it before the draft. Package #5 and #9 for #2 and get Demi(god)dov + a 2nd next year or something

[@2Jim2u]

Not being a Flames fan, I can't really say one way or another BUT I would say, the dude is realistically a Penalty MAGNET, look at the games he actually played in last year and the volume of penalties he took.

[@mamagne800]

He's still young at 22 yrs old and will learn. The guy plays aggressive, once he managed his energy he will be a beast. I remember Trouba taking a lot of penalty when he started his career and look at him now. He wears the C on his jersey. You people talk about Xhekaj like he's a 30-35 yr old veteran.

[@Jamesthepilgrimjourney]

If the HABS trade A.X. then they can say goodbye to this 58 year old lifelong HABS fan!!!!

[@lennyshow5146]

If they want xhekaj tht bad give me tij iginla kadri 50 percent retain and huberdeau 50 percent retain and we have a deal

[@sanoush100]

NOOOOOOOO TRADE!

[@edited1325]

9th overall? He’s not even worth a 2nd round pick

[@stockey]

He's got more value than Romanov.

[@dougiesherwin9591]

Watch and learn. There's a saying on wall street: feed the ducks while they're quacking. Apparently it seems Calgary is quacking.

[@obredaanps3]

I could see teams willing to give up a late 1st round pick for him as he's kind of a unicorn. But a top 10 pick seems like a stretch to me.

[@edited1325]

@@dougiesherwin9591”Watch and learn.” 🤓👆

[@mike8099m]

Agreed he is a bottom six defender that can fight. No way is he worth a first.