MONTREAL CANADIENS NEWS: ARBER XHEKAJ TRADE UPDATE

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Let's talk about Montreal Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj, and how some teams are still going out there and asking for him in trade situations.
Article: www.thefourthperiod.com/pagno...
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
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!
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[@gostrangely9674]

Yah, the Sheriff better not be going anywhere. Love watching him play and the effect he has on the game as a whole.

[@emmvee2932]

The rumors of trading Xhekaj are dumb really because of the way Hughes drafted Florian. If Hughes didn't like WiFi and wasn't planning on keeping him then why did he draft his younger brother way higher than where anyone else had him? The answer is Hughes loves WiFi and wont move him.

[@jjevans1693]

Montreal Canadiens aren't utilizing him to his full potential so other teams are puzzled. Lowest minutes per game of all defenders on the team.

[@Extasei]

I would add that Hughes is looking forward to make his team bigger so moving Xhekaj would be a weird decision. But in the end, it's always a matter of what he could get in return. So nothing is impossible.

[@THEGDB]

Look at the playoffs this year , arber is a younger tougher version of zadorov

[@lolokay3277]

Amazing! I wouldn't want Xhekaj on any other team.

[@edited1325]

Cup or bust and Toronto in the same sentence is hilarious

[@robertgoudreau9720]

He's the most important piece of the Habs defense.

[@BokuPower]

Xhekaj has room to grow, but is not a defensive liablity. There is no reason to trade this guy before seeing what he can do in the playoffs. He will be able to bring out his true physical game at that point and will be a nightmare to play against. The Canadiens also have the luxury with such a deep amount of defensive depth to slot him at number six if they want to. This is the type of player teams want to aquire, not get rid of. Not at this age.

[@BokuPower]

@Siksdev I don't know anything about Rempe, but I know that putting Reaves on the ice is a liability. Put Xhekaj on the ice is not. He can legitimately play solid defence. And no he won't get 50 points, but that's not what he's there for.

[@carycwilliams]

@Siksdev Better than both, not one dimensional. As far as changing the complexion of a playoff series, players like his brother and him, Luke Tuch, grit needed to win. He will be a 15g and a 30-40pt guy in the future.

[@carycwilliams]

Defensemen need 3-5 seasons to really come into their own. Xhekaj has room to grow, he will have more offensive output, he can skate, shoot among the top 5 hardest shots in the league, and he sees the game very well. Xhekaj is wanted for a reason. He will be a 2nd pp unit mainstay, the players will just get better as they acquire more talent. You win playoff series with guys like Xhekaj, both brothers, Luke Hughes, these are the players you go to war with.

[@carycwilliams]

@Siksdev Okay, btw, I'm not your guy, but you're the expert with the crystal ball. 4th line guys don't get an average of 5 minutes per game. Great stats though, but we know where you're really talking out of, bend over a little more

[@carycwilliams]

@Siksdev Like I said, an esteemed expert like you, why would I argue.

[@tdeseve]

He’s not going anywhere

[@mannyo2909]

He brings tangibles and intangibles, very valuable player. He brings everything the Leafs don’t have that helps you win a playoff series.

[@melleblanc971]

Best Habs defence for playoffs in 2 years Xhekaj Guhle Reinbacher Hutson Mailloux Kovacevic Struble Engstrom Size and Grit on D for the playoff grind. Hutson for the PP quarterback.

[@bronnyjames4616]

I think Hughes would trade Barron, Struble, Trudeau or even Guhle or Matheson in blockbuster trades before Xhekaj because of what he brings on-off the ice but especially because of what it could mean to have him in the playoffs

[@bronnyjames4616]

Harris as well*

[@michaelwhelan1481]

I would be shocked if you traded kaden or wifi

[@viper29ca]

Guhle is not going anywhere. Matheson...maybe, but it would be a huge blockbuster trade. Like Matheson, WPG 2024 1st, Calgary 2025 1st, and maybe another player for SJ 2024 1st and take Celebrini. But that isn't likely to happen.

[@reidbouvier5825]

I would laugh if they traded Guhle over Xhekaj. Guhle has top pairing potential. Xhekaj is special but he will never be a top pairing player. If we have two players that could both play top pair on LD, then yes, you can trade Guhle. But right now he's the only young guy with top pairing potential on the left side.

[@reidbouvier5825]

@@viper29ca Trades like that never happen. Why would San Jose want a player that's almost 30 and a few later 1st rounders for an elite superstar talent? Not realistic in any world...ever.

[@justfred6863]

deadass thought Lego was gonna say "Another day another slay"

[@davidrobinson4119]

No Arber Xhekaj trade. Forget it. Not going to happen!

[@stephster6762]

I think he really is a sort of Unicorn, when you think about it. To me he’s the closest thing to a modern Shea Weber… size, physical, powerful shot (107mph with bad shoulders). Probably a better skater and puck mover than Webber, and he’s still just 23 yo. So still room to improve and get better defensively. The question to ask when you consider trading a player, any player, is, what is it going to be like having to play against him if we get to playoffs against him. If the answer is scary, then keep him, because that means other teams are already thinking this. Unless the return is unreal. Considering the seemingly high demand, I would guess they could ask for minimum 2 first round picks and a prospect.. then wait…. If No calls back, keep him. (Similar return as if they got an offersheet for him). My guess is they will not trade him after drafting his brother, that would be a strange move. I can already see having both Xekaj in the lineup, and Florian being a front of net presence in the O zone on the 3-4th line, Arber in the D zone. This team will be a force in the playoffs with these big kids in a few years.

[@bournefree]

Nonono the habs need him tough and good player

[@jjevans1693]

Too bad other coaches and managers know that better than our coach and manager.

[@jamessergon]

Dont forget the perspective of both bros playing together

[@samspade4050]

Arber didn’t get drafted into the ohl yet was traded for I think 6 draft picks and a prospect then doesn’t get drafted into the nhl signed as a free agent now teams are willing to give up a first round pick for him you don’t trade a guy like that . He has loads of untapped potential

[@Dennis-ff2pf]

Arber isn't going anywhere he can be the best defense on Montreal but the guy could play forward if need be he has all the skill to be a super star.

[@HABsolute_1]

I believe the Habs will trade one or two of Barron, Struble, Harris, Kovacevic this summer and Savard will be moved at the next trade deadline.

[@wade7196]

Keep arber!!! He is a beast!!

[@charlestessier7843]

Jeff Hughes is playing it smart. He knows that a player's value on a team is not always measured in what he's paid salary wise. His teammates love the physical presence that can keep opponents honest .....and sometimes on their backs or their butts.

[@SamaelBDS]

That's great news, I was worried he would get traded during the draft

[@mikegaudet6264]

hes worth between 4 and 5 million a year for the next 5 years , none tradeable

[@spiderjerusalem6887]

insanity. He hasn't shown anything to earn over 2.25m, and even that is mostly on promise not record.

[@Jim-cz6om]

Harris and Kovacevic will be the two prime, loveable guys. Then maybe add Barron, Colin White, Tanner Pearson, and Josh Anderson into the mix to round out the succession of tradeableguys. In my eyes, Struble and Xjekaj are not being traded.

[@paulalkenbrack6084]

Harris, Struble, Barron, Kovacivic, Matheson. They could all be traded, but 2 for sure. Soon

[@ekeats2425]

I’d be very interested to know who the teams were

[@troymclean5752]

Xhekaj is on the second PP unit. find another player similar on a PP unit

[@stockey]

107 mph slap shot, that's why he's there.

[@jean-pierreroy8294]

The interest means they see something changes when their players are on the ice against him it scares them

[@starledge]

Habs don't need a 1st round pick. They don't need more lower draft picks either. They have two 1st round picks in 2024 and two more in 2025, potentially a fifth 1sr round pick if they move Savard in Feb. So five 1st round picks in the next 14 months. They have a total of 25 picks in 2024 & 2025 combined. That's 11 picks more than the normal 1 pick per round. They need to start developing a pile of rookies first, and quickly to see how they need to use all those draft picks.

[@JBC_cat]

I would rather we get rid of Kent Hughes, The fat Gorton guy and Saint Louis rather than trade Wifi! We are toast without someone to protect all our little guys. Who is supposed to protect Cole , Lane and Suzuki? Slaf? Cmon now, We are not trading Arber! It would be the dumbest move the new management has done.

[@hotboyphil]

When he's playing the other teams don't wana fight anymore

[@timdasilva2806]

If the Habs don't pair Mailloux and Xhekaj for the future, they are screwed!

[@MrVenom-iu9rs]

Montreal needs toughness and lord knows Anderson just isn't totally cut for that role. At this stage of the game I would not trade him as I think he has a lot more up value to bring to the table to be a shut down Dman and to make sure guys on other teams aren't taking runs on guys like Suzuki or Caufield.

[@TheSchwarzengger]

Unless it’s a top 15 pick, don’t see Xhekaj getting traded.

[@GREAT-WHITE-NORTH-1867]

They are not trading Arber because he is in the perfect spot for a tough guy 5/6 D-man

[@jjevans1693]

That's the problem. Other teams see him as a top 4 defenseman. Montreal is under utilizing him.

[@jacquescote-bt7rv]

Do not trade X. They need this guy in the club to establish respect..

[@rinobourgoin8829]

This is just click bait once again. Never is Hughes trading WiFI…..NEVER. Unless Arber asks for a trade or shows he no longer wants to be in MTL. Arber / Logan will be an awesome slime for years to come terrifying the opposition.

[@luccharlebois9396]

Put Xhekaj on the power play and I guaranty he will eclipse Madison 23-24 point grab (more goals, etc) and a better +_- record. Never trade the Sheriff!! Or a player like him that’s extremely marketable for a franchise

[@art333-dg8dd]

if they trade ARBER XHEKAJ SOME OF THE MANIGING CREW ARE GOING TO GET BOOD FOR YHE NEXT 10 YEARS BARON HARRIS ANYTIME BUT ARBER NEVER

[@art333-dg8dd]

YHEY WILL NEED SOMEBODY TO PROTECT HUDSON

[@MrMitchSot]

not Barron

[@art333-dg8dd]

barron keeps making passes tro the oposit team, too nervous@@MrMitchSot

[@user-mv6rw4im2u]

No way his to good of a player to let go we need player to let go for any player

[@bedbath9056]

Never trade Xhekaj, only possibility is 3 First Round picks + 3 Prospects and eat Gallagher and Anderson contracts.

[@TheRickRoller1]

Without the shot but he reminds me of Byfuglin.

[@lolokay3277]

He's got a very heavy shot. Hardest shot on the Habs and he scored a goal that was clocked at over 102mph

[@billroberts4765]

Without a shot? Tell us you don't know what you're talking about without saying it.

[@bartvaneyk]

One commentator describes Arber as a potentially young Shea Weber. Quite possible....

[@TheRickRoller1]

@@billroberts4765 Hey man, take your fanboy glasses off for a minute. Byfuglien had multiple seasons around 20 goals. Xhekaj might have the power but he doesn't have as good a shot.

[@emmvee2932]

@@TheRickRoller1 thats because WiFi hasn't been played at F on the PP ..... yet.

[@viper29ca]

Xhekaj isn't going anywhere. Toronto wants him? Cool. Nylander straight up for Xhekaj would be about the only consideration I would make. And TO covers 50% of his salary.

[@normandlacroix9837]

Sorry to burst your bubble bro they will never will trade wifi no other player stand up for his teamate

[@robertl8481]

Tied for 7th on points among Montreal defenceman - played powerplay and has a 107.2 MPH slaphot shouldn't he have done more? Finished second season and already 2 surgeries on damaged shoulders, and also is pretty old looking for 23!

[@jjevans1693]

He had the lowest minutes per game of all habs defenseman. It's not his fault that they're under utilizing him.

[@grandcrowdadforde6127]

NO! the dudes a FRANCHISE player! he s that good && his upside potential s enormous! GO away with such nonsense

[@michaelb4590]

You are really finding the dumbest trades to discuss possible lately. Maybe find some more legitimate ones

[@Veopoz]

Bait

[@JoyKAnthony]

No

[@filterlessbear9250]

I would trade Hutson, but Xhekaj is off limits! I wouldnt ideally want to trade Hutson, but if we could land a big skilled power forward for him, Id accept that! Hutson and Winnipeg's pick for 6th overall if we land Lindstrom at 5 then we take Senscke T 6! Id do it

[@birdythebird]

Arber for a 1st round and a young proven prospect ,possibly , considering we still have Mailloux

[@category7273]

Just pick another hobby, no trades are being made or even talked during the playoffs

[@mauricebrosseau9181]

Not going to happen.

[@paulouellette6934]

You're imagination makes no sense why even going there 😊

[@francoisjjoly]

Like you your channel but those tarde Borring story are getting a follower killer Bro please do not fall in those useless story please!!

[@spiderjerusalem6887]

content farmer gotta farm