<div align='center' style='padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;'><img src='https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/i/photo/347481.webp' width='100%' border='0' alt='image' loading='lazy' defer /></div> Arber Xhekaj, recently dismissed from the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League, has become a hot topic in NHL circles, particularly among Montreal and Toronto fans. The buzz is largely due to the Toronto Maple Leafs fans' long-standing desire to have him on their team, a wish that has intensified with his demotion to the AHL. Despite Montreal's abundance of young defenders such as Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, and David Reinbacher, Leafs fans believe acquiring Xhekaj is feasible. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/HabsOnReddit/status/1732270809585156486?s=20'> </a></blockquote></div> <q>«I think it was a lil bit of a surprise but the things that they told me defintely made sense from their point. They wanna see me play lotta mins & develop my game. Obviously I've been hurt, I haven't been in the lineup in a while so it's only for the benefit» - Arber Xhekaj</q> <h2>Maple Leafs Aquiring Xhekaj Would Add Much Needed Team Toughness</h2> In contrast, Toronto's situation is dire, with key players like Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, and Timothy Liljegren out due to injuries. The team desperately needs a tough, low-salary defender, and Xhekaj fits the bill perfectly. However, the likelihood of Montreal trading Xhekaj, especially to Toronto, is slim. Kent Hughes, Montreal's general manager, is unlikely to make such a trade, considering players like Xhekaj are rare and valuable. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Habhockey1/status/1732447563201061227?s=20'> </a></blockquote></div> <q>Blockbuster trade between the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens involving Arber Xhekaj? That's what their fans are calling for, but it's not going to happen. https://habhockey.com/article/13664</q> <h2>Xhekaj's Future In Montreal Remains Questionable</h2> Despite this, discussions and speculations about trading Xhekaj to Toronto continue to flood the web, fueled by fans' hopes and desires. However, the reality remains that such a trade is highly improbable, and fans should temper their expectations. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/GeorgesLaraque/status/1731795546396922330?s=20'> </a></blockquote></div> <q>Mtl need Xhekaj in the lineup every game, it's a huge mistake to send him in Laval. He makes every players feel safe and he's well respected in the NHL!</q> <a href='https://www.habsfanatics.com/trades/Wow-A-trade-of-Arber-Xhekaj-to-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-has-indeed-been-requested-by-their-fans-but-forget-about-it?fbclid=IwAR0FqA1-DDs_Z2BxZdLEWNGFBEnsGgDd-mYkKcntU4BuBKGEh63WKOWe2DY' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>As Read On Habs Fanatics - Wow: A trade of Xhekaj to the Toronto Maple Leafs has indeed been requested by their fans, but forget about it</a>