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Montreal Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj attracting interest from other NHL teams

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 12:47 AM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Montreal Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj attracting interest from other NHL teams

Summary

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj is a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. Despite re-signing teammates Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes, Xhekaj's contract status remains unresolved. Reports indicate interest from several teams, including the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers, with ongoing discussions about his future. His agent, Brian Bartlett, emphasized there's no urgency for a deal as both sides assess the player's fit on the team.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Xhekaj is currently a restricted free agent.
•Canadiens re-signed Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes this summer.
•Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers have shown interest in Xhekaj.
•No new contract is in place; discussions are ongoing.
•Xhekaj's agent states there's no panic in negotiations.

Latest Updates

12:47 AMYahoo Sports — Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj Was Targeted By A Canadian-Based Rival

What they're saying

"
Following their successful 2025-26 season that saw them advance to the Eastern Conference Final, the Montreal Canadiens and general manager Kent Hughes re-signed both Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes to multi-year contracts.The good news for the Canadiens is that they appear set up to be a force in the Atlantic Division for a long time […] The post Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj Was Targeted By A Canadian-Based Rival appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Calgary Flames Montreal Canadiens Philadelphia Flyers NHL Hockey