Arber Xhekaj’s future with the Montreal Canadiens continues to generate plenty of buzz around the NHL. Over the past few hours, that speculation has intensified after respected insider Jeff Marek added significant fuel to the fire.
Speaking on the DFO Rundown, Marek discussed the situation and once again linked Xhekaj to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Philadelphia connection is nothing new—it has circulated for months—but Marek’s latest comments carry extra weight because of the source and the language he used.
“Regarding Arber Xhekaj’s future with the Canadiens: I think when a player like that becomes available, it’s not a surprise that we draw a line between that player and the Flyers,” Marek said.
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The key phrase is “becomes available.” Marek is effectively confirming, based on well-informed sources, that Xhekaj has indeed become available in trade discussions. For a player whose name has lingered in the rumor mill for some time, that represents a notable escalation.
Xhekaj is no stranger to trade speculation. His name has surfaced regularly, particularly since the beginning of the summer, largely because he still does not have a contract in place for next season. The ongoing contract standoff has kept him firmly in the conversation as the Canadiens evaluate their blue line depth and toughness options.
His most recent season underscores why negotiations have proven challenging. Xhekaj recorded just four points in 65 games with a minus-8 rating. His primary value has never been offense. He brings physicality, size, and an edge that many teams covet from the back end. That profile can be difficult to price in today’s NHL, and it appears to be a sticking point with general manager Kent Hughes at the negotiating table.
For clubs seeking toughness and depth on the blue line, a player with Xhekaj’s skill set remains intriguing. The Flyers have long been mentioned as one such team, and Marek’s comments reinforce why that link persists. When an established insider with strong league connections frames it this way, it elevates the rumor from pure speculation to something more substantive.
That said, nothing currently suggests a trade is imminent. Marek’s remarks confirm that Xhekaj’s name is actively circulating on the market and that certain teams, including Philadelphia, would naturally show interest if he is made available. For Canadiens fans and rival general managers alike, the situation remains one worth monitoring closely as training camp approaches and the contract impasse continues.
Whether Montreal ultimately moves Xhekaj or finds a way to retain him will depend on how the two sides resolve the negotiation. For now, the insider chatter has taken a clearer and more dramatic turn.