Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Nearly two and a half months after its last game, the Montreal Canadiens haven’t made any changes on defense, and Arber Xhekaj‘s future continues to generate plenty of discussion.
The blue line is still the same one Montreal had during the series against Carolina. Not a single change after two and a half months off!
And Xhekaj is still without a contract.
There’s no shortage of offense on the blue line.
Lane Hutson is coming off a 78-point season, the highest total among the team’s defensemen, while Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson can also produce plenty of offense.
What’s missing is a more physical, defense-first option on the right side.
It’s a need the Canadiens have been carrying for quite some time…
If Arber Xhekaj is traded, one name keeps coming up as an internal replacement: Adam Engstrom.
Here’s the analysis that was shared on the subject:
“Maybe Adam Engstrom will replace Arber Xhekaj on the roster if Xhekaj is traded, but we still wouldn’t be talking about a significant upgrade.
The need to acquire a right-shot defenseman with BOTH defensive and physical qualities is still there.”
Why Montreal’s right-side defense remains a concern beyond Arber Xhekaj
The catch is that the 22-year-old Swede has only 15 NHL games under his belt.
That remains a risky solution.
The problem is that Montreal’s defensive depth is still young and inexperienced.
Promoting someone from within wouldn’t address an immediate need unless David Reinbacher has an absolutely incredible training camp.
But even then. Replacing one young player with another wouldn’t solve the lack of physicality on the right side.
To really address the issue, the Canadiens would need to acquire an established right-shot defenseman who can play a strong game in his own zone.
I’m very curious to see what Kent Hughes does.
Still without a contract, Xhekaj continues to fuel trade speculation.
Hughes still has time to make a move. But until the right side of the defense is addressed, the same question will keep coming back all fall.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
2 HOURS AGO|94 ANSWERS
The Canadiens may already have Arber Xhekaj’s replacement lined up
Should the Canadiens trade Arber Xhekaj to acquire a tougher right-handed defenseman?