“Sign-and-trade” for Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc: Stu Cowan is optimistic

Marc-Olivier Cook
“Sign-and-trade” for Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc: Stu Cowan is optimistic
Credit: Arianne Bergeron/NHLI via Getty Images

The Canadiens still have two major issues to resolve before the start of the upcoming season.

Arber Xhekaj's… and Zachary Bolduc's.

Sasha Pastujov also needs to sign a contract, but everyone agrees that this is slightly less important than potentially signing Bolduc and Xhekaj. Unless…

Unless the Canadiens use Bolduc and/or Xhekaj in a “sign-and-trade” deal before the start of next season?

Stu Cowan floated this idea in a recent article, suggesting that the fact both players are still unsigned might explain a few things:

The fact that neither of them has signed a contract yet leads me to believe they could be part of a “sign-and-trade” deal before September 16. – Stu Cowan

What do you think?

I wouldn't be surprised if this happens with Xhekaj.

There are already several left-handed defensemen in the organization (Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble, Adam Engström…), and aside from his physicality, “The Sheriff” doesn't have much more to offer than the guys already on the roster.

We like him for his physicality, but as for the rest…

The Bolduc situation intrigues me a bit more because I have a hard time seeing the Canadiens decide to trade him just one year after acquiring him. Kent Hughes said he saw him becoming an important piece for the club over the years, and he wouldn't have given Logan Mailloux to the Blues for Bolduc's services if that weren't true.

But at the same time, if that's what it takes to pull off a big move… the Canadiens' GM will certainly consider it as he weighs his options. And that's where things could get interesting, in my view.


In a Nutshell

– It's been a while since we've heard anything about him.

– That's crazy, too.

– Legends!

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