Canadiens send a clear message after surge of trade interest in Arber Xhekaj

Kent Hughes has received several serious calls about him recently.

That said, according to David Pagnotta, the Canadiens still value Arber Xhekaj despite interest from several teams over the past few weeks.

The insider provided an update on the rugged defenseman’s situation during the DFO Rundown.

Pagnotta confirmed there’s interest in Xhekaj, but Montreal doesn’t appear to be in any rush to move him.

Pagnotta’s update is a reminder that the organization doesn’t necessarily view him as a player who needs to leave, even with his appealing trade value.

Montreal Canadiens’ asking price for Arber Xhekaj remains high

The price to pry Xhekaj away from Montreal won’t be cheap, regardless of how much interest there is.

That sends a message to interested clubs.

The No. 72 brings a level of toughness that few defensemen possess.

His physical presence remains an asset the Canadiens appear to recognize internally.

If Montreal values him, it means the organization still sees a role for him, or at least believes he carries significant trade value. That remains true even though the fit with Martin St-Louis hasn’t always been obvious for Xhekaj.

Teams calling about him will have to deal with that reality.

When a seller isn’t eager to sell, the price rises in negotiations.

Still, valuing a player doesn’t mean keeping him at all costs.