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The Arber Xhekaj situation continues to generate buzz within the Montreal Canadiens organization.
The limited ice time for “The Sheriff” is starting to worry many fans, and the rumor mill has kicked into high gear.
Seeing that Martin St-Louis seems hesitant to use him for more than ten minutes per game, some observers have begun linking the Canadiens to other defensemen.
Insider Renaud Lavoie even brought up the name of veteran Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets as a potential target.
Let’s be honest, the idea of going out to acquire another big-bodied defenseman to replace the one you already have seemed a bit far-fetched.
Fortunately, executive vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton decided to shut down the speculation once and for all.
There is no plan to acquire a defenseman before the trade deadline.
Jeff Gorton addresses Arber Xhekaj rumors as Canadiens shut down blue-line trade speculation
Gorton indeed took the time to reassure everyone: Kent Hughes and he like what they’re seeing from their young players.
We talk about Xhekaj, but Gorton named two players: Xhekaj, but also Jayden Struble.
He very clearly reiterated his confidence in both Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, stating that there’s no need to look elsewhere.
“We like Arber and Strubes a lot. We have some young guys coming that we like a lot, too. We’ll make decisions on all of them as they come, but we have a lot of faith in Arber and Strubes and what they bring, so we don’t feel an imminent need to bring in another guy.”
– Jeff Gorton
Let’s be real: just because St-Louis shortens his bench doesn’t mean the player is no longer part of the plan.
The coach wants to win tight games and leans heavily on his veterans, that’s the reality of the NHL when points are precious.
But for management, the long-term development of these two big bodies remains a priority.
Gorton was crystal clear: “We do not feel an immediate need to add another player.”
It’s a statement that should calm the nerves of those who already saw Xhekaj packing his bags.
Unless there’s a rash of injuries on the blue line, the Canadiens will not make a move for a defenseman.
Plain and simple, the message is clear: breathe easy and let the young players grow.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics