Fifteen Teams Spotted Scouting Arber Xhekaj In His Return To The NHL

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Tyler Ball
January 23, 2024 (11:13 PM)

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This evening Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj re-debuted with the team for the first time since being called back up. His presence in the lineup created a lot of interest from scouts around the league

Canadiens Call-Up Xhekaj After AHL Stint

Yesterday it was announced that Montreal Canadiens were calling up Arber Xhekaj back to the NHL. Xhekaj had spent 17 games in the AHL after a difficult start to the NHL season.

The Canadiens have recalled defenseman Arber Xhekaj from the Laval Rocket.

Before being called up there were rumors that Xhekaj was sought after by many teams around the NHL. His offensive explosion in the AHL combined with physicality and skating shown at the NHL level has been an attractive potential package to various NHL teams.

Tonight in Xhekaj's first game back the NHL scouts have flocked in attendance to see his progress.

Fifteen Scouts Spotted Scouting Xhekaj's Return To The NHL

Before the Canadiens matchup against the Ottawa Senators NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period noted that almost half of the NHL had scouts in attendance for the game.

Full house of scouts and reps at the Sens/Habs game tonight in Montreal: ANA, AZ, BOS (2), BUF, CBJ, DAL (3), FLA, NAS, NJ, SJ, TB (2), TOR (2), VAN, VGK, WPG (2)

While not all of those scouts are in the arena to take a look at Xhekaj there probably are at least a few. Due to the recent rumors the Canadiens confirmed they are not open to trading Xhekaj however if a team makes a massive offer that could change.

As the trade deadline approaches Arber Xhekaj will be one of the hot names to watch depending on how his return to the NHL goes.