We have indeed just learned that the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes, rejected a trade involving Arber Xhekaj.

Were you wondering if the Canadiens still believe in Xhekaj? The answer is yes, and we just received a very concrete piece of evidence.

According to a report by the reputable David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Montreal Canadiens indeed turned down a significant trade involving the Sheriff.

Kent Hughes Rejected a Trade Involving Arber Xhekaj

See, notably, an excerpt from what the excellent Marc-Olivier Cook of DLC reports.

David Pagnotta spoke about [Arber Xhekaj] on the radio (TSN 690) and shared an interesting piece of information in recent months, Kent Hughes’ phone rang regarding Xhekaj.

The offer shows just how much other teams value him.

«One team wanted to offer a late first-round pick for Arber Xhekaj. The Canadiens said no thanks, we like what we have right now.»

– David Pagnotta

So he refused a first-round pick in exchange for the Sheriff, which says a lot.

This is truly interesting information, and we are happy to learn that Hughes and Jeff Gorton declined.

Xhekaj, 23 years old, is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defenseman. He has one point in 15 games this season, with a -3 rating and 19 penalty minutes.

And you, would you have accepted a late first-round pick for Arber Xhekaj?