The Montreal Canadiens have a surplus of defenseman and could look to trade one.
The Canadiens have star defenseman prospect David Reinbacher closing in on making his NHL debut, which could force someone else to be traded. Although Reinbacher may not make the NHL next season, NHL insider Eric Engels believes the Canadiens could look to trade Arber Xhekaj, who’s a fan-favorite.
“Between those three guys, right you have, (Mike) Matheson, (Jayden) Struble, and Xhekaj, there’s a good chance that between now and this time next year, one of those guys is not here,” Engels said on The Sick Podcast. “We talked about the depth lower down; we know (Logan) Mailloux had a hard time getting up. We know David Reinbacher is a big part of the future for the Canadiens. They’re obviously going to look to get him some.
“They’re not just going to force him into the NHL lineup when they don’t have to,” Engels added. “He has to earn that experience, but it’s pretty vital to their plans of becoming a perennial contender that he starts getting some NHL games under his belt.”
Matheson is a pending free agent, and his name has come up in trade talks. Yet, Xhekaj being traded would be a bit of a surprise as he’s a fan-favorite defenseman who plays physical and isn’t afraid to fight.
However, Xhekaj is entering the final year of his two-year, $2.6 million deal. So, perhaps Montreal does look to deal him. Xhekaj recorded 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points in 70 games with the Canadiens last season.
Canadiens Have Defensive Prospects Coming Up
Reinbacher could be a legit top-pairing defenseman in the NHL, but other prospects could push out Xhekaj and others.
Engels points to Adam Engstrom as another defensive prospect who could push for NHL playing time this season.
“You look at Adam Engstrom, another player who has potential real value to the Canadiens,” Engels said. “He’s going to be knocking on the door, he’s so skilled, he’s so silky. Gained experience playing on the right side this year, did some power play, I suspect they will have a similar plan to him this year as they did with Mailloux last year.”
Engstrom was selected in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Canadiens. But the Swede has taken some massive steps. Last season in the AHL, he recorded 5 goals and 22 assists for 27 points in 66 games.
With Reinbacher and Engstrom closing in on NHL minutes, Canadiens’ general manager Kent Hughes will have some tough decisions to make.
Canadiens Add Dobson to Bolster Blue Line
Montreal made a big move to acquire Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders to bolster the blue line.
Dobson is a star offensive defenseman, and he’s eager to play for the Canadiens.
“Just the opportunity to be part of the Montreal Canadiens, it’s an honor,” Dobson said after the extension. “It’s the best hockey market in the world. The fans are incredible. I love playing at the Bell Centre, and just also the group of players they have already and the talent they have on that team and what they’ve been building. I’m just super excited to join that group and add to it, and excited about what we can do down the road here in the future.”
Dobson signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension with the Canadiens.
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