You really believe MTL would do that ?
Even all of this crap for Xhekaj only, maybe
Engvall = no use
Hirvonen = boff
Kral = no use
Robertson = injured prone
So a 2023 1st + 2024 3rd round pick for Arber Xhekaj is interesting, but we’re not sending him to a rival
So even if you remove Josh Anderson (and you dare adding salary retention for 5 years) and the 2nd round pick, MTL still decline

Why are habs fans obsessed with Xhekaj I don’t get it?

Umm because he skates well, is solid defensively, gets pucks through to the net, plays with heart and most importantly sticks up for teammates to the point of beating the crap out of anyone who are stupid enough to challenge him. Only reason you are asking is cause you are jealous the Hawks didn't sign him first.

Not just Habs fans. Hockey world in general. It starts with his story and likeability, but being a competent player on top of his toughness doesn't hurt.
He's made a name for himself, not only as a pugilist, but for being a media darling and a big part of the rookie D corps story in Montreal.

I'm not going to pretend he's actually worth a haul in a trade. He's currently capable with perhaps some hope for growth, but he's most likely a 3rd pairing guy who will be signed to a regretful contract that he can't live up to eventually. I HOPE I'm wrong as a Habs fan, but realistically that's normally where that type of player tops out.
That said, why trade him unless someone is making a ludicrous offer?
It's nice to have an "enforcer" that doesn't look out of place when there's actual hockey going on. If he's defending teammates and giving the youth confidence, that's worth way more than his actual value in a trade.

First off, Guerin won't trade s guy paid 1.7M$ who is valuable to the team. Greenway ok but Hartman with his cap crunch, not a chance.

For the habs, Kent Hughes doesn't have to retain money on Andersen deal at all. End of discussion !

I had never even heard of him before the season begun

But like what one talent other then fighting does he have?

He has 2nd pairing upside, like I said he skates well, is good defensively and gets shots through to the net. The reason you hadn't heard of him is cause he was undrafted, he showed up for rookie camp 2 years ago and was invited back this past year and earned a contract. Look at his stats though, last year with the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs he put up 34 points in 51 games then in the playoffs had 16 points in 18 games before posting 5 points in 5 M-Cup games. His development took a huge step during the pandemic year off when he started working on improving his skating, that is why he seemingly came out of no-where

This !!!



I don’t think he has 2nd pairing upside at all
Hope I’m wrong but read the comment above, I agree with it