The Calgary Flames are no longer a realistic destination for Arber Xhekaj.
According to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, the Flames have changed their mind on the Montreal Canadiens defenseman. While Calgary had previously shown interest in acquiring the physical left-shot blueliner known as “the Sheriff,” that interest has evaporated following a key offseason move.
Xhekaj remains unsigned for next season, and trade speculation continues to swirl around him. His rights still belong to the Canadiens, but the situation is far from resolved. The 24-year-old has yet to fully establish himself as an everyday NHL defenseman, and Montreal’s crowded blue line—particularly on the left side—continues to raise questions about his long-term future with the club.
For months, Calgary stood out as a team with serious interest. That door is now closed.
“Per sources, while the Flames had previously shown interest in Xhekaj, they no longer see him as a fit after acquiring Jake Middleton from the Wild,” Di Marco reported.
The acquisition of Middleton explains the shift. Like Xhekaj, Middleton is a left-shot defenseman who thrives on physical play and is built for a third-pair role. He is signed through the 2028-29 season at an average annual value of $4.35 million and arrived in Calgary as part of the deal that sent Blake Coleman to Minnesota.
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Having two players with nearly identical profiles on the same defensive group makes little sense. By adding Middleton, the Flames have filled their need for edge and physicality on the left side. The fit for Xhekaj simply no longer exists.
That does not mean the market for Xhekaj has disappeared. The Philadelphia Flyers are among the teams still monitoring the situation closely. Even with Calgary out of the picture, interest remains elsewhere around the league.
Xhekaj’s case remains unusual. He has not always been in the good graces of head coach Martin St-Louis, and questions persist about whether he will begin the season in Montreal. With the Flames now crossed off the list, the focus shifts to whether the Canadiens will keep him, trade him, or allow the situation to play out further.
One thing is clear: the possibility of Arber Xhekaj joining the Calgary Flames is over before it ever truly began.