Things are happening like never before in Montreal!
Young right-handed defenseman Adam Boqvist has been placed on waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets, sparking hopes among Canadiens fans that Kent Hughes will claim him.
Such an acquisition could send Justin Barron to Winnipeg as part of a “trade package” for Rutger McGroarty.
This scenario is in line with the Canadiens’ recent attempts to acquire McGroarty during the draft in Las Vegas.
Montreal had offered the 21st overall pick and a young defenseman (Justin Barron or Jordan Harris) to the Winnipeg Jets, on the condition that Cole Eiserman or Michael Hage were no longer available. We know the rest. Hage was indeed available and the transaction fell through.
But Kent Hughes has not said his last word.
Meanwhile, the Xhekaj brothers have also been making waves. They recently changed agents, joining the Bartlett Hockey Agency.
Do Arber and Florian Xhekaj, nicknamed the #WifiBros, really have a future in Montreal? Arber Xhekaj becomes a restricted free agent tomorrow, and his name is already circulating in Winnipeg, with the Jets showing strong interest in him.
Xhekaj would be worth much more than Harris and Barron on the trade market. The fact that he changed agents just before negotiating his contract with the Canadiens is intriguing.
Talks between Montreal and Winnipeg continue, with the Jets looking to land a top young defenseman.
With Adam Boqvist available on waivers, with Arber Xhekaj and his brother changing agents, with Justin Barron available…
The situation is fluid, and a transaction seems imminent. It remains to be seen what it will be.
Claim Boqvist to trade Barron? Sign Xhekaj to keep him? Sign Xhekaj to trade him? Just trade Xhekaj?
Everything is possible. It’s never been so exciting in Montreal…
