Elliotte Friedman: Arber Xhekaj nearly traded for top young star

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Tyler Ball
January 22, 2024 (9:15 PM)

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A recent report from NHL insider extraordinaire Elliotte Friedman revealed that Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj was almost traded within the last few weeks.

During his appearance on the 32 Thoughts Podcast Elliotte Friedman spoke about the future of Arber Xhekaj with the Montreal Canadiens. Friedman said that Montreal was receiving calls from several teams interested in Xhekaj. As he continued he said that he wouldn't be surprised if the Philadelphia Flyers had reached out in regard to a Cutter Gauthier trade.

Friedman on teams calling about Arber Xhekaj (32TP): "I wouldn't be surprised if Philly was among those teams. I don't know if it was a deal with (Cutter) Gauthier or something else, but it makes a lot of sense. If Xhekaj doesn't want to be a Canadien, man, he's a Flyer."

Friedman says it makes a lot of sense for the Flyers to want a player like Xhekaj in their lineup. However, according to his sources, the Canadiens will not be parting with Xhekaj any time soon.

Friedman repeats, Habs have told teams they are not trading him.

With his recent call-up back to the NHL it seems as though the Montreal Canadiens still have a lot of belief in Arber Xhekaj. When he makes his return to the NHL it will be fun to see if his style of game has changed at all due to his stint in the AHL.

As Read On - House Of Hockey

Elliotte Friedman Suggests Arber Xhekaj Was Almost Traded For A Young Star Forward