Arber Xhekaj in New York: the door opens for Kent Hughes

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According to Martin Biron, the Montreal Canadiens should seriously consider sending Xhekaj to the New York Rangers in exchange for captain Jacob Trouba, but on one condition: that Trouba arrives with part of his salary preservation, for an annual cost of 5 million dollars.

“At 5 million, Trouba plays in my top 4. He will hit, I don’t want him to score 50 or 60 points a year. I just want him to be physical and give me constant defensive support.”announced the former goalkeeper on BPM Sports.

With this vision Trouba, known for his strong style and imposing presence on the ice, could answer a big need for Canada: a more experienced and reliable defense.

The analyst does not hide his passion for such a trade, specifying that the price paid to acquire Trouba could include Arber Xhekaj and additional prospects.

“If Rangers ask me for Xhekaj and another prospect, I will do it tomorrow morning”he said, insisting that he considers Trouba a leader who could stabilize Montreal’s defense.

Arber Xhekaj quickly became a fan favorite due to his physical style of play and ability to intimidate opponents.

However, we have to face reality: he will never be more than a 6th-7th defenseman in Montreal.

He is still a young defender still developing, with gaps to fill defensively and tactically. As for his HOCKEY IQ, he will never be able to improve it.

Not the sharpest pencil in the box on the ice.

For Rangers, the addition of Xhekaj could inject a dose of youth and strength into their defensive corps, while also allowing them to shed a contract that is considered too onerous by ‘ keep part of Trouba’s salary.

The Rangers lack stamina according to the New York media. Let’s say that with Xhekaj, they put male power in the bedroom.

Jacob Trouba, meanwhile, is an experienced defenseman, but his $8 million per year contract through 2026 makes him a burden for the Rangers.

With his partial no-trade clause, the defender has control over his destination, but the idea of ​​playing in a market like Montreal and for Martin St-Louis could appeal to the t -this veteran with an intense play style.

His wife is a doctor in New York. And that’s why he refused to go to Detroit or Buffalo by waiving his no-trade clause this summer.

Would he agree to build for Montreal?

At 5 million, as suggested by Biron, Trouba could be an interesting acquisition for Canada, especially with the prospect of a more experienced blue line to monitor young people like Lane Hutson and especially Logan Mailloux, at does it seem like there is no real big brother. Montreal.

Everyone praises David Savard, but he did not take Mailloux under his wing in any way.

The price mentioned, that is, Xhekaj and hope, however, causes a debate. If Xhekaj is a player that fans value, his value on the market is still difficult to assess.

Some may think that such an exchange is a risk for the Canadian, who would sacrifice part of his future for a player who, at 30 years old, is no longer at the peak of his career.

For Kent Hughes, the million dollar question is this: are the Canadiens willing to sacrifice a popular young player like Xhekaj to add experience in the short term?

While the team is still rebuilding, such a move could send a clear message: the Habs want to speed up their return to the championship.

Martin St-Louis is tired of rumors about his dismissal. And he wants his CEO to help him.

The fact that Trouba could immediately strengthen the Canadiens’ defense while providing leadership in the locker room makes this idea attractive.

Arber Xhekaj flying to New York in exchange for Jacob Trouba?

This position, which is a dream of Martin St-Louis as he has always had Xhekaj in place, would be a real media bomb in Montreal.

If Trouba agrees to play in Montreal and the Rangers agree to keep part of his salary, this deal could be a huge blow for Kent Hughes.

Or a real accident. Because CH fans will be so angry if Xhekaj is traded.

At the moment, the debate is still open, but one thing is certain: the future of Xhekaj, just like the one of Trouba, could experience a decisive turn in the coming weeks.

And for the young Montreal defenseman, the idea of ​​wearing a Rangers jersey could become a New York dream.

Let’s just say that being in Manhattan, far from Martin St-Louis, his worst nightmare, would be an easy pill to swallow for the young defender.

And he would no longer be afraid to fight Matt Rempe.

The dream at St-Louis…the end of Xhekaj’s nightmare…Jacob Trouba in Montreal…

Yes…it would be a big surprise in Montreal…