Maple Leafs acquire Arber Xhekaj in unique one-for-one trade proposal
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to make some moves at the NHL trade deadline, and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj could be in their future.
Going into the NHL trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that a lot of analysts are looking at, and for very good reason.
The Leafs are looking to make some moves, and they have been hoping to get rid of some defensemen in exchange for draft assets.
Overall, defenseman Simon Benoit is someone that the Leafs have thought about moving, and fans are eager to see if this will take place.
At the end of the day, Benoit is someone who is likely to leave anyway, especially since his play hasn't always been up to standard.
Arber Xhekaj for Simon Benoit?
According to a report from William Bourget of The Hockey Writers, there is a very good chance we see Benoit go to the Montreal Canadiens.
Benoit is a Quebec native, and the Leafs could even offer Arber Xhekaj in return, instead of some draft capital.
Per William Bourget:
Simon Benoit would be a different type of addition, but one that makes a lot of sense. A Quebec native, Benoit plays a simple, physical defensive game. He blocks shots, finishes checks, and doesn’t try to do too much with the puck.
Unlike Stanley or Schenn, Benoit also has another year left on his contract after this season, giving Montreal a bit more control and continuity. That could be appealing for a team that doesn’t want to overcommit but also doesn’t want a pure rental.
Unlike Stanley or Schenn, Benoit also has another year left on his contract after this season, giving Montreal a bit more control and continuity. That could be appealing for a team that doesn’t want to overcommit but also doesn’t want a pure rental.
For the Maple Leafs, Xhekaj is someone who is virtually the same player as Benoit, but with just a lot more edge when it comes to physicality.
The Leafs do not have a fighter, and bringing Xhekaj into the fold would go a long way to changing that. Only time will tell if this is a trade they go through with.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 7|362 ANSWERS Maple Leafs acquire Arber Xhekaj in unique one-for-one trade proposal Do you believe Arber Xhekaj is good for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 211 | 58.3 % |
| NO | 151 | 41.7 % |
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