Canadiens Rumors: 3 Defensemen Named Trade Candidates For Montreal
With David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom pushing for NHL minutes, Engels believes the Canadiens could be forced to move a defenseman before next season ends. Mike Matheson, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj have all been singled out as potential trade candidates.
Canadiens' Depth May Force a Move
Engels noted on The Sick Podcast that, “between those three guys, Matheson, Struble, and Xhekaj, there’s a good chance that between now and this time next year, one of those guys is not here.” Montreal’s acquisition of Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders and the continued development of Reinbacher and Engstrom only add to the congestion on the blue line.
If the 2023 fifth-overall pick Reinbacher shows he’s ready for a full-time role, general manager Kent Hughes may need to clear a roster spot.
Which #GoHabsGo defenceman is the most at risk of getting traded?@EricEngels: "Between those 3 guys; Matheson, Struble, Xhekaj, there's a good chance that between now and this time next year, one of those guys is not here"#thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/4sp3XXOrqz
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) July 29, 2025
Matheson, 31, appears the most likely candidate to be moved. He’s entering the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next July. While he’s valued for his puck-moving ability and veteran locker room presence, his defensive inconsistencies and pending UFA status could push management to seek a return before losing him for nothing.
Struble and Xhekaj Face Their Own Challenges
Struble, 23, earned a two-year extension after carving out a regular role late last season, but he’ll need to maintain that momentum to secure a permanent spot. Meanwhile, Xhekaj remains a fan favorite for his size and physical play, but he was a frequent healthy scratch down the stretch.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his deal and could become expendable if Reinbacher forces his way onto the roster or if the Canadiens prefer Struble’s mobility.
Why is nobody talking about this Mike Matheson goal pic.twitter.com/OWKWu1Dook
— Rob Gucci (@heatdaddy69420) July 30, 2025
With Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, and Alexandre Carrier locked in, Montreal’s depth leaves little room for everyone. One of Matheson, Struble, or Xhekaj could be moved to balance the roster and potentially bring back assets to bolster the team’s push to return to contention.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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