The Canadiens Rejected a Trade for Arber Xhekaj: Insider Reveals the Surprising Offer

According to a report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, a team made an offer for Xhekaj involving a first-round pick. But Hughes turned it down.

It's significant because it shows how much other teams are valuing the young defenseman right now, even if the numbers don't show an impact player.

He has one point in 15 games, a -3 rating, and 19 penalty minutes. Still, his physicality, toughness, and potential as a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defenseman are clearly catching attention around the league.

The Canadiens young defensemen are still developing, and Arber Xhekaj is no exception. The Habs aren't competing for a Stanley Cup this season, so there's no need to rush into any trades.

Losing is never fun but fans and players much accept it's part of the rebuilding process. The team's focus should be on letting the youngsters grow and that includes their sheriff.

Xhekaj has some skill, and a good vision on the ice and isn't afraid to get pucks to the net. His toughness and the chemistry he's building with his teammates like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki which can pay dividends when the Habs become competitive again.

Patience is the optimal move. There's no need for Hughes to to trade anyone under 25. Sending the 23 year-old down to the AHL's Laval Rocket or giving him the occasional healthy scratch won't hurt, and will ensure he keeps developing within the organization.

Trading him would be a mistake and go against everything the organization has stood for since their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. Keep the sheriff around and let him grow, he'll be worth the wait.