Uncertainty is swirling around the future of Arber Xhekaj with the Montreal Canadiens, as the team’s recent moves and rumored trade interests have sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Once seen as a rising star on the Canadiens’ blue line, Xhekaj’s role has become increasingly unclear, especially after being scratched for several weeks late last season.

Now, with reports emerging that general manager Kent Hughes is actively pursuing rugged Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague, speculation about Xhekaj’s tenure in Montreal has reached a fever pitch. This potential roster shakeup has left many fans and analysts questioning whether Xhekaj has already played his last game in a Canadiens jersey.

As the defense corps continues to evolve, and with young talents like David Reinbacher poised to make their mark, the competition for spots on the blue line has never been fiercer. The next few weeks could prove pivotal, not only for Xhekaj’s career but also for the future identity of the Canadiens’ defense.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

It’s a rumor that circulated heavily at the end of the season, but some are seriously wondering if Arber Xhekaj has played his last game with the Montreal Canadiens.

Let’s not forget that he was scratched for three consecutive weeks by Martin St-Louis and, at one point, didn’t even seem to be part of the team’s plans anymore.

With that in mind, we’re now learning (thanks to Nick Kypreos) that the Canadiens are trying to acquire the rugged defenseman Nicolas Hague from the Vegas Golden Knights.

By revealing their interest in Hague, Kent Hughes has also seemingly dropped a clue about his intentions regarding Arber Xhekaj.

At least, that’s how some experts and observers are interpreting it.

If the Canadiens acquire Nicolas Hague, what will happen to Arber Xhekaj?

All signs point to the Canadiens’ defensive corps looking like this next fall (starting with the top 4):

Mike Matheson – Alexandre Carrier
Kaiden Guhle – Lane Hutson

That leaves two spots on the third pair for David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and possibly even Adam Engstrom.

Considering several experts (including Stu Cowan) have stated they’d be “shocked” if Reinbacher didn’t start the 2025-26 season in Montreal..

And since all indications are that Reinbacher will have a spot in Montreal this fall, the defense would look something like this:

Mike Matheson – Alexandre Carrier
Kaiden Guhle – Lane Hutson
David Reinbacher – one spot left for a left-shot D

And if Nicolas Hague is added to the equation, it’s hard to see how Arber Xhekaj could hold a regular spot next season.

Kent Hughes knows all this, and yet still wants to acquire Hague – which really seems to say a lot about his intentions regarding Xhekaj, and possibly also Jayden Struble.