Trade of the Canadiens: Arber Xhekaj for William Eklund?

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David St-Jean
March 28, 2024 (8:37 PM)

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We know that Kent Hughes wants to make a big move and acquire a promising young forward this summer. However, he will most likely have to pay, and the price could be Arber Xhekaj.

That's what's being proposed. I have no idea why the rugged defenseman is so often mentioned in rumors and proposals, but he's constantly named, and that's still the case.

It's certain that the ceiling for Logan Mailloux, Lane Hutson, and David Reinbacher is higher than that of the sheriff, but the three cannot bring what #72 brings.

"All this to say that the Canadiens need forwards (and have defensemen) and the Sharks need defensemen (and have forwards). Both clubs could help each other, right?

With David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, and Lane Hutson set to graduate soon and a fairly young defensive core, Kent Hughes will have decisions to make in the coming months." - DLC

"If Hughes can acquire a forward like William Eklund in exchange for a defenseman like Arber Xhekaj, among others, that would be interesting.

A trade like the one involving Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook is not out of the question soon, and I'm excited to see if Mike Grier could be the Montreal GM's dance partner."

Drafted 7th overall in 2021, Eklund has a nice total of 34 points, including 12 goals in 69 games this season. He's playing with the struggling San Jose Sharks, so imagine him on a line with Nick Suzuki or Kirby Dach.

What's certain is that with a proposal like this, Kent Hughes wouldn't have a choice but to consider it.

Source DLC
ET SI LE CANADIEN ET LES SHARKS S'AIDAIENT DANS LEUR RECONSTRUCTION?