Former Montreal Canadiens enforcer thinks Arber Xhekaj will ask for a trade

The Canadiens are off to a rocky start to the 2024-25 NHL season. In seven games, they have a 2-4-1 record and lost many key players to injuries. Last night, head coach Martin St-Louis took the controversial decision to healthy scratch Arber Xhekaj for the second straight game, and the Canadiens ended up losing 7-2 against the New York Rangers.

Fans were eager to see Xhekaj on the ice against the Rangers, hoping for a confrontation with Matt Rempe. Unfortunately, he wasn't on the ice to help his teammates when the young defenseman Barron was dangerously hit to the head by Rangers captain Trouba.

According to the former Canadiens enforcer Geroge Laraque, Xhekaj is unhappy and could be asking for a trade.

Laraque retired in 2010 and has been sharing his insights about hockey news around the league on multiple platforms since then. He currently works with a radio station, where he can open up freely on topics related to the NHL. He also helps young enforcers by sharing his fighting experience, like he did with Rempe.

Here's what he said about Xhekaj:

Xhekaj is a fan-favorite in Montreal and trading him would be an unpopular move. However, he has considerable value on the market and could bring an interesting return to the Canadiens.

The Canadiens are set to play their next game on Saturday, and after that tough loss against the Rangers, it wouldn't be surprising to see Xhekaj back in the lineup.