'Toronto Called Me': Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj Says Maple Leafs Showed Interest in Him Before Choosing Montreal in 2021
Xhekaj received calls from Toronto and Florida before choosing to attend the Canadiens' rookie camp in 2021.
thehockeynews.comHere’s the latest on Arber Xhekaj based on recent publicly reported news:
- In 2025, there was extensive coverage suggesting Xhekaj’s form and role with the Montreal Canadiens were under scrutiny, with some outlets debating his fit on the blueline and his long-term place in Montreal. These pieces reflect discussion around his development trajectory and roster status rather than a definitive ruling on his future with the team.[2][5]
- There have been recurring reminders in media of his potential impact and past performances, including notable moments in preseason and regular-season discussions about his physical style and role within the Canadiens’ defense, which keeps him in the NHL spotlight. However, some analyses suggest questions about consistency and usage rather than a sudden change in value to the team.[8][9]
- Coverage also notes past trade rumors and interest from other teams, but as of the latest reporting, Xhekaj remained with Montreal and continued to be discussed mainly in terms of development and strategic usage rather than confirmed moves.[6][9]
If you want, I can pull the most up-to-date headlines and summarize them with quick-react bullet points or a short timeline. I can also provide citations to each source so you can read the original articles.