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Photo credit: Screenshot<\/p>\n
The Arber Xhekaj situation continues to generate buzz within the Montreal Canadiens organization.<\/p>\n
The limited ice time for \u201cThe Sheriff\u201d is starting to worry many fans, and the rumor mill has kicked into high gear.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Insider Renaud Lavoie even brought up the name of veteran Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets as a potential target.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, executive vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton decided to shut down the speculation once and for all.<\/p>\n
There is no plan to acquire a defenseman before the trade deadline.<\/p>\n
Jeff Gorton addresses Arber Xhekaj rumors as Canadiens shut down blue-line trade speculation<\/p>\n
Gorton indeed took the time to reassure everyone: Kent Hughes and he like what they\u2019re seeing from their young players.<\/p>\n
We talk about Xhekaj, but Gorton named two players: Xhekaj, but also Jayden Struble.<\/p>\n
He very clearly reiterated his confidence in both Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, stating that there\u2019s no need to look elsewhere.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe like Arber and Strubes a lot. We have some young guys coming that we like a lot, too. We\u2019ll 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\u2019t feel an imminent need to bring in another guy.”<\/p>\n
– Jeff Gorton<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s be real: just because St-Louis shortens his bench doesn\u2019t mean the player is no longer part of the plan.<\/p>\n
The coach wants to win tight games and leans heavily on his veterans, that\u2019s the reality of the NHL when points are precious.<\/p>\n
But for management, the long-term development of these two big bodies remains a priority.<\/p>\n
Gorton was crystal clear: “We do not feel an immediate need to add another player.”<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a statement that should calm the nerves of those who already saw Xhekaj packing his bags.<\/p>\n
Unless there\u2019s a rash of injuries on the blue line, the Canadiens will not make a move for a defenseman.<\/p>\n
Plain and simple, the message is clear: breathe easy and let the young players grow.<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
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