Arber Xhekaj’s future with the Montreal Canadiens is a hot topic as the team navigates its rebuild. Can the Canadiens transform into a perennial Stanley Cup threat? This episode unpacks Xhekaj’s evolving role and his relationship with coach Martin St. Louis, while exploring the strategic use of cap retention spots. We dive into the Canadiens’ long-term plans, discussing quotes from key figures like Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes. We also touch on the potential impact of signing Owen Protz and speculate on future roster changes that could reshape the team’s trajectory. Discover how the Canadiens are positioning themselves for success and what it means for their fans.
0:00 Intro
5:07 Arber Xhekaj’s growth and future with Canadiens
10:52 Indeed sponsorship message
12:02 Is the Canadiens’ rebuild over?
19:15 Monarch Money sponsorship message
20:36 Mailbag questions and contest announcement
23:34 Canadiens’ cap retention spots and strategy
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7 Comments
I can't believe you disappeared Ian for the Crime of Math
Great show, good point on the retention spots, i thought that was the only failure at the deadline , not to use that retention spot to help another team get a rental, very rarely do you see it used at the draft , but the most likely time is after july 1st, for the habs they were getting 2 back anyways, even for a 2026 third
Also the habs under this organization have definitely trusted their own rankings rather than where others think they should be drafted, remember scott not being to enthusiastic about the Xhjeka pick, the hockey news had both him and fowler outside the top 100!!! I have no doubt they will pick someone they deemed to be undervalued , if they see the pick
Well done Laura! I made a sour comment about you in the past and I sincerely apologize for it
In terms of holes, 2nd line center would be the goal, and that’s it, Reinbacher need to replace Savard, and play in Montreal, struble amd Mailloux as depth pieces. The only opening is dvorak’s spot, Newhook is a good third line center, so the second line center will also need to kill penalties, heimanen will replace armia on the PK. Should do a show on who makes the habs line up next yr. Horvath would be my ideal , but it will cost us, Miko Zabanajad would be a lot cheaper in terms of assests, especially if we took on all the salary . My dream for the team next yr
Suzuki, Slaf , cole
Demidov, Horvath and Dach
Heineman, Newhook and Laine
Evans, Gally and big Andy
Beck/kapy in reserve one will have to go in the Horvath deal
Reinbacher/hudson
Guhle/matheson
Xhejka/Carrier
Struble/Mailloux one will go in the Horvath deal,
May take a step back to take 2 steps forward . Beck Mailloux, and number 16 for Horvath, if we can’t get him for that, through in Farrel/Mesar. Don’t trade either Xhjeka, or Engstrom, he will replace Matheson
Tage Thompson would fill that 2 c hole, and with Isles getting that #1 pick If i were them i would go full rebuild, aim for Mckenna next yr, have Schaffer and mckenna that would be scary
Mailbag question: If Crosby was willing to go to the Habs, would both 1sts this year, Mailloux and Sean Farrell and maybe a 2nd be enough or would that likely require next year's first as well?
Loved the podcast but please explain your comment on Tage Thompson…what does the CH need more than a player like Thompson right now?
Center, size (6,6), 40+ goal scorer, young (27) and signed at a very reasonnable contrat for 5 more years. I mean seriously he would be the most perfect player for the CH right now and would fill their most pressing need! The only reason the CH shouldnt waste their time on him is because there is no way Buffalo would let him go.