Kent Hughes sends a strong message to teams interested in trading for Arber Xhekaj

But Kent Hughes doesn’t appear eager to trade Xhekaj easily. Far from it.

That’s the picture David Pagnotta painted during the DFO Rundown.

He set the record straight on the possibility of Xhekaj being traded.

According to Pagnotta, the interest in No. 72 is very real.

Several teams have tested the waters, curious to find out what price the Canadiens would accept to let him go.

But Montreal’s answer has been clear.

Pagnotta reports that the organization places real value on Xhekaj and is far from looking to move him.

Kent Hughes sets a high bar for an Arber Xhekaj trade

Xhekaj’s toughness partly explains that attachment, along with the fact that he’s an exceptional teammate in the locker room.

Few defensemen offer that combination of physicality and an intimidating presence on the ice while also being a locker-room favorite.

If Montreal wants to keep him, the Flames, Flyers and other interested teams will have to adjust their expectations.

Valuing a player doesn’t mean refusing every offer, of course.

A strong proposal could always make Canadiens management think twice, but Kent Hughes clearly isn’t prioritizing that scenario right now. Far from it.

The situation remains unresolved.

Will a team offer enough to sway Hughes, who for now would rather keep his defenseman?