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![\"Montreal](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/679826.webp\" "\\"Montreal")
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Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tNearly two and a half months after its last game, the Montreal Canadiens haven’t made any changes on defense, and Arber Xhekaj<\/a>‘s future continues to generate plenty of discussion.<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n And Xhekaj is still without a contract.<\/p>\n There’s no shortage of offense on the blue line.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What’s missing is a more physical, defense-first option on the right side.<\/p>\n It’s a need the Canadiens have been carrying for quite some time…<\/p>\n If Arber Xhekaj is traded, one name keeps coming up as an internal replacement: Adam Engstrom<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here’s the analysis that was shared on the subject:<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n The need to acquire a right-shot defenseman with BOTH defensive and physical qualities is still there.”<\/p>\n Why Montreal’s right-side defense remains a concern beyond Arber Xhekaj<\/p>\n The catch is that the 22-year-old Swede has only 15 NHL games under his belt.<\/p>\n That remains a risky solution.<\/p>\n The problem is that Montreal’s defensive depth is still young and inexperienced.<\/p>\n