# Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj and Bolduc contract saga > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montreal-canadiens-roster-moves > Updated: 2026-08-08T16:05:38.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 6. In early July, GM Kent Hughes made no major offseason acquisitions, but trade talk lingered around Finnish defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and other assets. By mid-July, the focus shifted to restricted-free-agent defenseman Arber Xhekaj. Montreal cited a poor fit on the blue line, rather than salary, as the reason he remained unsigned after his two-year deal lapsed. While interest was shown by the Flyers and Flames, Xhekaj remained eligible for an offer sheet, and his agent expressed his desire to stay in Montreal. By late July and early August, Xhekaj remained a free agent with no contract for the upcoming season. His agent, Brian Bartlett, noted that while Xhekaj loves Montreal, GM Kent Hughes is maintaining a tough stance aligned with the team's long-term vision. Although interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs has faded, the Calgary Flames have been identified as a frequent suitor. Simultaneously, the Canadiens are negotiating with 23-year-old forward Zachary Bolduc. Hughes is weighing whether to offer Bolduc a short-term bridge deal or a longer contract with a lower average annual value (AAV), using San Jose winger Collin Graf’s recent three-year, $4.25 million deal as a market benchmark. As training camp approaches, the team continues to evaluate its defensive unit, with reports linking the club to potential trade targets like Rasmus Ristolainen and Brandon Carlo to secure a right-shot defenseman. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-08: Montreal Canadiens linked to defenseman targets amid roster search The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly looking to acquire a right-shot defenseman, with Rasmus Ristolainen and Brandon Carlo identified as potential targets to complement their defensive core. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-linked-to-defenseman-targets-amid-roster-search ### 2026-08-05: Montreal Canadiens weigh contracts for Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj The Canadiens' GM Kent Hughes is evaluating contract offers for forward Zachary Bolduc and defenseman Arber Xhekaj as free agency looms, with Bolduc’s market compared to a recent $4.25 M AAV deal for San Jose’s 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-weigh-contracts-for-zachary-bolduc-and-arber-xhekaj ### 2026-08-02: Arber Xhekaj's Contract Future with Montreal Canadiens Uncertain Arber Xhekaj, a restricted free agent, is at a crossroads as the Canadiens consider re‑signing him or trading him, with interest from the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arber-xhekajs-contract-future-with-montreal-canadiens-uncertain ### 2026-07-28: Montreal Canadiens Hold Firm on Arber Xhekaj Contract Montreal Canadiens keep Arber Xhekaj under contract talks, with his agent noting GM Kent Hughes is “tough” and no deal imminent. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-hold-firm-on-arber-xhekaj-contract ### 2026-07-24: Montreal Canadiens weigh options for RFA defenseman Arber Xhekaj Arber Xhekaj, the Canadiens' restricted free agent, remains unsigned as Montreal cites fit issues; trade interest from the Flyers and Flames persists, with a potential swap for Rasmus Ristolainen discussed. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-weigh-options-for-rfa-defenseman-arber-xhekaj ### 2026-07-11: Montreal Canadiens target defensemen as trade talks swirl Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes faces trade chatter, with Finnish defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and other players like Leo Carlsson and Shane Wright mentioned as possible targets. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montreal-canadiens-target-defensemen-as-trade-talks-swirl --- Cite as: Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj and Bolduc contract saga. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montreal-canadiens-roster-moves