Hockey Trade Rumours: New Development Emerges Regarding Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj Trade

The man they call WiFi has had an inconsistent role in Montreal's crowded defense corps, leaving some, like former Habs enforcer Georges Laraque, to question if the team should consider trading him. There's also his reckless reputation to consider after he tried to lay a knee-knee hit against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Laraque has been vocal and wants him out of Montreal. He believes Xhekaj deserves a consistent role, something other teams might be more than willing to offer.

TSN's Darren Dreger noted that if Canadiens GM Kent Hughes were to make him available, over a dozen teams would come calling.

But trading Xhekaj isn't a simple decision. While Montreal has a deep defensive prospect pool led by Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson, Xhekaj brings a unique physicality and size that sets him apart. His $1.3 million cap hit for the next two seasons makes him an appealing asset, but Montreal GM Kent Hughes would need a strong return to even consider a deal.

The New York Islanders, facing a long-term injury to Adam Pelech, had been mentioned as a possible fit for Xhekaj.

But, sources close to the situation indicate that a Xhekaj trade is off the table. The Canadiens see him as a key piece of their future and aren't shopping him. Sorry rest of the NHL, you'll have to find your WiFi router elsewhere.