The Toronto Maple Leafs previously expressed interest in Arber Xhekaj, a revelation that adds another potential suitor to the list should the rugged Montreal Canadiens defenceman fail to reach an agreement with his current club.
The information comes from an article by Herb Zurkowsky published in The Gazette. Xhekaj remains unsigned for next season, a fact that has sparked intense speculation about his future as training camp approaches. That unsigned status is precisely what makes the situation so intriguing—and potentially explosive.
It is strange that no agreement has been reached with camp rapidly closing in, especially since Montreal has several million dollars in cap space available. According to a source cited by Zurkowsky, the Leafs’ interest is not new. “A source on Thursday told The Gazette that Toronto was interested in Arber Xhekaj and former Canadiens forward Sean Monahan two seasons ago.”
That historical interest is certainly noteworthy. Yet things may have changed. “But the Maple Leafs have undergone a management change,” the journalist noted—a detail that alters the entire landscape.
Trading Arber Xhekaj within the Atlantic Division would come with obvious risks. It is fair to wonder whether Xhekaj was involved in the reported Matthew Knies trade discussions, although that remains pure speculation. There is also another well-known obstacle: Xhekaj has shown no love for the Leafs on the ice since entering the NHL. That history is difficult to ignore and raises a pointed question. Would the Canadiens trade that type of player to a team within their own division? Montreal would surely think twice before doing so, and with good reason.
One thing is certain: general manager Kent Hughes has shown remarkable patience. Several teams have called about Xhekaj, with the Calgary Flames being linked to him most often, but Hughes continues to wait. The defenceman is not alone in this predicament. Forward Zachary Bolduc is also unsigned by the Canadiens. Hughes must settle both situations before training camp opens.
How he handles these files could shape Montreal’s roster and competitive posture for the season ahead. With the calendar tightening and interest from rivals—including a historic suitor in Toronto—still hovering in the background, the Canadiens face a genuine trade dilemma. The coming days will reveal whether patience yields a new deal in Montreal or whether Xhekaj’s next chapter begins elsewhere.