Arber Xhekaj traded for a first-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens? It would be accepted according to Simon Snake Boisvert

PUBLICATION

David St-Jean
February 4, 2024 (9:04 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

At the outset, I want to make it clear that I would not make such a trade. I am simply reporting the words of a controversial analyst, but whose opinion resonates with a certain proportion of fans.

Simon "Snake" Boisvert was recently on Tony Marinaro's podcast, and according to him, the Canadiens absolutely must trade Xhekaj while his value is high.

"I believe his value [Xhekaj] is still high. If they have a good offer for him, I don't understand why they wouldn't cash in immediately. [...] I know he represents something, he's a big player who can play hockey. You need that kind of player. But if the Habs can be offered a late first-round pick for Xhekaj, what are they waiting for?"

This is obviously an opinion that does not have unanimous support. Xhekaj is a fan favorite in Montreal and has a good chance of becoming an indispensable player for the Canadiens' success.

Moreover, what's the point of developing players and then trading them for picks? The Canadiens have a wealth of prospects and many draft picks in the next three years.

It will be impossible to keep all these players. We need to start progressing, and it's not by trading all our valuable players that it will happen.