An analyst suggested a blockbuster trade sending the Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj to the New York Rangers.
Both the Canadiens and the Rangers seem poised to make changes this season. Montreal are struggling, with a 7-11-3 record, despite announcing they wanted to be in the playoff mix this year, and the Rangers aren't able to keep the rhythm of the previous season when they won a Presidents' Trophy, currently 4th in the Metropolitan Division with a 12-7-1 record.
The former NHL goaltender Martin Biron, who's now an analyst, revealed that the two teams should make a deal involving Arber Xhekaj for either Jacob Trouba or Chris Kreider.
"Assuming the Rangers would agree to retain $3 million of his $8 million annual salary, [Martin Biron] claims that in exchange for defenseman Arber Xhekaj and a prospect, he would make that trade tomorrow morning because Trouba is exactly what the Canadiens are currently missing."
At first glance, it doesn't make much sense for the Rangers. They already have Matt Rempe and many other physical players. There would be very little to gain from adding Xhekaj, a tough player who's been showing gaps in his defensive game, to their lineup.
Trouba could bring exactly what the Canadiens need at the blue line: some energy and defensive reliability.
As for Kreider, he would bring offensive talent, to the team. But let's be honest, Habs fans haven't forgotten when he "fell" skates first on Carey Price in game one of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals. To this day, he's still not liked in the Bell Center.
We can't imagine the Habs management agreeing on such a trade, especially with Xhekaj playing well in the last few weeks.