The Montreal Canadiens don’t need a splashy, top-pair defenceman at the trade deadline. What they do need, however, is stability on their third pair, something that has quietly become an issue as the season has progressed. With Arber Xhekaj barely playing and Jayden Struble seemingly not earning the coaching staff’s full trust either, the Canadiens could benefit from bringing in a reliable depth option to steady things on the back end.
This wouldn’t be a move aimed at changing the franchise’s trajectory. Instead, it would be about insulating the lineup, protecting young defencemen, and avoiding nightly lineup juggling that can hurt structure and consistency.
Arber Xhekaj’s Usage
Xhekaj’s ice time over the last stretch is telling. Before being replaced by Struble against the Winnipeg Jets, Xhekaj played five consecutive games, and in that span, he logged more than ten minutes of ice time only once. That lone exception came in a 7–3 blowout win against the Colorado Avalanche, a game state where minutes were easier to spread around.
Outside of that, Xhekaj has consistently been underused. When a defenceman struggles to crack double-digit ice time in close games, it’s a strong indicator that the coaching staff doesn’t fully trust him in all situations. Whether it’s defensive reads, puck management, or discipline, Xhekaj’s role has clearly been reduced to a minimum.
Struble hasn’t exactly locked things down either. While he brings energy and mobility, he, too, appears to be viewed more as a stopgap than a long-term answer on the third pair. The result is a rotation that lacks predictability, and for a team trying to build good habits, that’s far from ideal. That’s where the idea of adding a low-cost, veteran depth defenceman comes into play.
Option 1: Logan Stanley, Winnipeg Jets
Logan Stanley is an intriguing option. Standing at 6-foot-7, the Winnipeg Jets defenceman brings a physical presence the Canadiens currently lack outside of Xhekaj. Stanley is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, making him a realistic and affordable target.
What’s especially interesting this season is Stanley’s offensive production. He’s already posted career highs with nine goals and 18 points in 55 games, impressive numbers for a player typically slotted into a depth role. While offence wouldn’t be his primary purpose in Montreal, his ability to contribute without being a liability is a plus.
Winnipeg Jets defenceman Logan Stanley celebrates his goal against the Nashville Predators (James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images)
Stanley wouldn’t need to play major minutes. Slot him into a sheltered third-pair role, let him use his reach, size, and physicality, and suddenly the Canadiens have a more balanced and intimidating bottom pair. For a young blue line still learning how to defend leads, that kind of presence matters.
Option 2: Luke Schenn, Winnipeg Jets
Another Jets defenceman who could make sense is . Like Stanley, Schenn will be a UFA at season’s end, and with Winnipeg struggling, veteran players could very well be on the move.
Schenn is a known commodity. He’s physical, experienced, and has played meaningful games in the playoffs. His puck skills are limited, but his defensive reads and willingness to do the dirty work remain valuable assets.
Related: Breaking Down Phillip Danault’s Impact on the Montreal Canadiens
For Montreal, Schenn wouldn’t just be a third-pair defenceman; he’d be a stabilizer. A player coaches trust, teammates respect, and young defencemen can learn from. On a team still transitioning toward contention, that kind of presence can quietly pay dividends.
Option 3: Simon Benoit, Toronto Maple Leafs
Simon Benoit would be a different type of addition, but one that makes a lot of sense. A Quebec native, Benoit plays a simple, physical defensive game. He blocks shots, finishes checks, and doesn’t try to do too much with the puck.
Unlike Stanley or Schenn, Benoit also has another year left on his contract after this season, giving Montreal a bit more control and continuity. That could be appealing for a team that doesn’t want to overcommit but also doesn’t want a pure rental. Benoit wouldn’t move the needle offensively, but he would give the Canadiens a dependable option on nights where structure and physicality are priorities.
The Canadiens don’t need to rush Xhekaj or Struble out of the organization. But the current usage suggests the coaching staff doesn’t fully trust either player right now, and that creates a gap. Adding a third-pair defenceman like Stanley, Schenn, or Benoit wouldn’t block prospects long-term. Instead, it would stabilize the lineup, reduce pressure on young players, and give Martin St. Louis options he clearly values: predictability and trust.
