NHL Trade Rumors: Could Montreal Canadiens move Arber Xhekaj or Zachary Bolduc to fill two major roster needs?
The Montreal Canadiens could still make another big move before the 2026-27 season, and two of their unsigned restricted free agents could be part of those plans. Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc remain unsigned as Montreal looks for ways to improve its roster.
The Canadiens have two major needs heading into the season: a second-line center behind
Nick Suzuki and an experienced right-shot defenseman who can play alongside Lane Hutson. With limited cap space, General Manager Kent Hughes has to decide whether keeping both young players is the best option or whether one could help Montreal land a more established player.
Could Zachary Bolduc be part of a Montreal Canadiens trade for a second-line center?
According to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette, the Canadiens could still make a move involving one of their two remaining RFAs. Montreal has been looking for a bigger addition this offseason, and signing one of these players before trading him could give Hughes another way to complete a deal.
Bolduc could be an interesting option because of what he showed last season. The 23-year-old forward recorded 30 points in 78 regular-season games and added seven points in 19 playoff games. He also finished second on the Canadiens in hits during the postseason, behind Kaiden Guhle.
Montreal would prefer to keep Bolduc, but the chance to land a second-line center could make Hughes consider moving him. The Canadiens need more help behind Suzuki, making such a deal difficult to ignore.
Could Arber Xhekaj become a trade option for the Montreal Canadiens?
Xhekaj could also become part of the Canadiens’ trade talks. The 25-year-old defenseman played 65 games last season but averaged only 11:25 per game, the lowest average among Montreal defensemen. His role became even smaller in the playoffs, when he averaged just 8:05 per game.
At the same time, Xhekaj brings something Montreal does not have in abundance. He is a physical defenseman who can deliver hard hits and add an edge to the blue line. That style could become valuable as Montreal builds for a deeper playoff run.
David Pagnotta has previously reported that Montreal values Xhekaj, so the Canadiens are not simply looking to move him. But if another team offers Hughes the right player in return, the situation could change quickly.
Could Xhekaj and Bolduc help Montreal Canadiens fill their two biggest needs?
The Canadiens’ situation makes the trade rumors worth watching. Montreal has around $9 million in cap space heading into next season, while much of its blue-line money is tied up on the left side.
Adding an experienced right-shot defenseman remains one possible solution, while a second-line center would give the team more depth behind Suzuki. Either move would require a valuable asset.
For now, there is no indication that Xhekaj or Bolduc is definitely leaving Montreal. The Canadiens can still choose to sign both players and keep them in the lineup. With the September 16 CBA turnover date approaching, both RFAs could remain names to watch on the trade market.
The Canadiens have two major needs heading into the season: a second-line center behind
Nick Suzuki and an experienced right-shot defenseman who can play alongside Lane Hutson. With limited cap space, General Manager Kent Hughes has to decide whether keeping both young players is the best option or whether one could help Montreal land a more established player.
Could Zachary Bolduc be part of a Montreal Canadiens trade for a second-line center?
According to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette, the Canadiens could still make a move involving one of their two remaining RFAs. Montreal has been looking for a bigger addition this offseason, and signing one of these players before trading him could give Hughes another way to complete a deal.
Bolduc could be an interesting option because of what he showed last season. The 23-year-old forward recorded 30 points in 78 regular-season games and added seven points in 19 playoff games. He also finished second on the Canadiens in hits during the postseason, behind Kaiden Guhle.
Montreal would prefer to keep Bolduc, but the chance to land a second-line center could make Hughes consider moving him. The Canadiens need more help behind Suzuki, making such a deal difficult to ignore.
Could Arber Xhekaj become a trade option for the Montreal Canadiens?
Xhekaj could also become part of the Canadiens’ trade talks. The 25-year-old defenseman played 65 games last season but averaged only 11:25 per game, the lowest average among Montreal defensemen. His role became even smaller in the playoffs, when he averaged just 8:05 per game.
At the same time, Xhekaj brings something Montreal does not have in abundance. He is a physical defenseman who can deliver hard hits and add an edge to the blue line. That style could become valuable as Montreal builds for a deeper playoff run.
David Pagnotta has previously reported that Montreal values Xhekaj, so the Canadiens are not simply looking to move him. But if another team offers Hughes the right player in return, the situation could change quickly.
Could Xhekaj and Bolduc help Montreal Canadiens fill their two biggest needs?
The Canadiens’ situation makes the trade rumors worth watching. Montreal has around $9 million in cap space heading into next season, while much of its blue-line money is tied up on the left side.
Adding an experienced right-shot defenseman remains one possible solution, while a second-line center would give the team more depth behind Suzuki. Either move would require a valuable asset.
For now, there is no indication that Xhekaj or Bolduc is definitely leaving Montreal. The Canadiens can still choose to sign both players and keep them in the lineup. With the September 16 CBA turnover date approaching, both RFAs could remain names to watch on the trade market.
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