The Montreal Canadiens have spent the past few seasons building one of the NHL’s deepest collections of young defensemen. However, it has also created difficult roster decisions as the organization pushes toward sustained success.
One physical blueliner remains without a new contract despite being an important part of the team’s identity, drawing outside speculation about his future. With training camp a few weeks away, the mood behind the scenes still appears far calmer than the rumor mill suggests.
Brian Bartlett Provides Calm Update on Canadiens D-Man Arber Xhekaj’s Contract
Arber Xhekaj remains a restricted free agent, but his camp is showing little concern over the pace of negotiations with the Canadiens.
Speaking to the Montreal Gazette, agent Brian Bartlett emphasized that both sides are continuing discussions without any urgency, indicating that there is still plenty of time before players report for the new season.
“We have a long time until the season starts,” Bartlett said. “We have to try and figure out where he fits into the structure of the team. Montreal has some decisions to make. We have some decisions to make. There’s no panic.”
These comments come as Montreal works through a crowded defensive depth chart. The Canadiens already have seven defensemen on one-way NHL contracts, while top prospects David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom continue pushing for permanent roster spots.
This competition has made Xhekaj’s long-term role part of the broader discussion rather than simply negotiating contract dollars.
Despite the uncertainty, Bartlett made it clear he has not sensed any breakdown in talks. “I think he’s a really good player. Good teams like good players,” he said. “The communication has been positive with the management group. I don’t have any indication to think that things are going to go off the rails.”
Montreal also retained leverage by issuing the 25-year-old a $1.3 million qualifying offer after his bridge contract expired. Xhekaj chose not to file for salary arbitration, a move that suggests both sides preferred continuing negotiations privately instead of taking the process through a hearing. Current projections have pointed toward a modest short-term extension worth roughly $1.48 million annually (per AFP Analytics).
While negotiations continue, trade rumors have remained active.
Teams such as the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers have reportedly shown strong interest in acquiring the rugged defenseman, whose physical style continues to attract attention around the league.
Still, reports indicate Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has placed a significant asking price on any potential deal, signaling that keeping Xhekaj remains the organization’s preferred outcome.
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Xhekaj led Montreal with 178 hits during the 2025-26 regular season while adding 116 penalty minutes, giving the Canadiens a physical edge that few defensemen across the NHL can consistently provide.
