The robustness of the Maple Leafs' defensive lineup has been a concern for some time, especially given their ambition for championship success. This concern has been heightened since Xhekaj's early-season fight with Ryan Reaves, leading to calls from Toronto fans for a trade to acquire the Canadiens' defenseman.
Despite this public desire, it seems highly unlikely, almost impossible, that Canadiens' GM Kent Hughes would trade the 22-year-old defenseman to a division rival. Regardless, the speculation about a potential trade continues.
With an excess of defensemen sharing three spots on the left side in Montreal, it would be imprudent for Hughes to lose a player as dedicated, robust, and physical as Xhekaj.
As Nick Bobrov, discussing his brother Florian Xhekaj, said, Arber is also a unicorn in the hockey world. He brings a nearly unprecedented dimension to the game.
