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Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj and Bolduc contract saga

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-06 06:11 UTC → 2026-08-08 20:10 UTC · added removed

Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj and Bolduc contract saga

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 mid-July, the focus shifted to restricted‑free‑agent restricted-free-agent defenseman Arber Xhekaj. Montreal said cited a poor fit on the blue line, not rather than salary, left him as the reason he remained unsigned after his two‑year two-year deal lapsed; his ice time had fallen to a career low. The lapsed. While interest was shown by the Flyers and Calgary Flames showed interest, while a potential Ristolainen swap fell through. Later in July Flames, Xhekaj remained on a two‑year, $1.3 million AAV contract and stayed eligible for an offer sheet; sheet, and his agent stressed expressed his desire to stay in Montreal. Early August saw the Canadiens weighing a one‑year or three‑year extension against By late July and early August, Xhekaj remained a possible trade, free agent with no arbitration filed. By August 2026, as training camp approaches, contract for the upcoming season. His agent, Brian Bartlett, noted that while Xhekaj loves Montreal, GM Kent Hughes is still maintaining a free agent. Earlier links to tough stance aligned with the team's long-term vision. Although interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs have faded after a front‑office change, and has faded, the Calgary Flames remain the most have been identified as a frequent suitor. The club is also Simultaneously, the Canadiens are negotiating with 23-year-old forward Zachary Bolduc, a 23‑year‑old who posted 30 points last season. Bolduc. Hughes is considering weighing whether to offer Bolduc a short‑term short-term bridge deal or a longer, lower‑AAV contract, citing longer contract with a lower average annual value (AAV), using San Jose winger Collin Graf’s three‑year, recent three-year, $4.25 million deal as a market reference. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-08 20:10 UTC Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj and Bolduc contract saga
  2. 2026-08-06 06:11 UTC Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj contract saga
  3. 2026-08-03 20:12 UTC Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj contract saga
  4. 2026-07-29 23:33 UTC Montreal Canadiens Xhekaj contract saga

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