Flyers get rejected in another blue line trade attempt!

The Philadelphia Flyers kicked off 2024 with a significant trade, shipping forward Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round selection in the 2025 NHL draft. And they might just be getting started in revamping their blue line.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that the Flyers are very interested in Montreal Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj, who would just be an ideal fit in Philly when talking about rival clubs calling the Habs about the rugged defenseman.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Philly was one of those teams, I don’t know if it was a (Cutter) Gauthier deal or something else, but it makes a lot of sense. If Xhekaj is not going to be a Canadien, man he’s a Flyer.”

However, Friedman made it clear that the Canadiens aren’t looking to move Xhekaj, who was called up on Tuesday night for the game against the Ottawa Senators afrer spending most of the 2023-24 season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. The insider believes the Flyers were one team that was rejected when asking about Xhekaj.

The Canadiens are expected to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline on March 8, and could eventually consider the right offer for many players, including Xhekaj. The Habs have depth on the blue line and could potentially make Xhekaj available for the right offer.

In last night’s game, Xhekaj did not manage to record a point in 16 minutes and 25 seconds of ice time, but ended up with a +1 rating in a 4-1 loss to Ottawa. The Canadiens might be tuned in to the amount of interest in the defenseman and therefore could be showcasing him to see what kind of top offers they can get ahead of the deadline.

Maybe the Flyers will call back…

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