"Arber Xhekaj: The Missing Piece Toronto Maple Leafs Need? Here’s What He Thinks!"

Arber Xhekaj, the hard-hitting defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, has quickly become a key figure in the NHL, known for his physicality and aggressive playing style. But what many may not know is that he was once a prime target for the Toronto Maple Leafs—and yet, he chose a different path. Despite interest from the Leafs and other teams, Xhekaj ended up signing with the Canadiens, the team that became his home. Now, with his rise to prominence, Xhekaj is revealing his thoughts on the potential fit with the Leafs, and fans are beginning to wonder: Could he be the missing piece the Leafs need?

Arber Xhekaj’s Undrafted Journey

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Arber Xhekaj was undrafted, a status that didn’t slow down his drive to make it in the NHL. He joined the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he began to establish himself as a physical, no-nonsense defenseman. It wasn’t until 2021 that Xhekaj finally got his NHL shot when he signed with the Montreal Canadiens as a free agent. Despite his undrafted status, he made a quick impact, impressing coaches with his tough style and solid defensive play.

Standing at 6'4" and weighing 240 pounds, Xhekaj has the ideal physique for a modern-day enforcer. His relentless style of play, combined with his offensive potential, quickly made him a fan favorite in Montreal. In the 2024–2025 season, Xhekaj posted 6 points and led the team with 118 penalty minutes, showing his willingness to go to war for his team while also contributing in a meaningful way.

Toronto Maple Leafs: A Fit for Xhekaj?

Although Xhekaj is now an integral part of the Canadiens’ defensive core, it wasn’t always certain that he would end up in Montreal. According to Xhekaj, Toronto Maple Leafs were among the teams that contacted him when he was an undrafted free agent.

In an interview with Paul Bissonnette on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, Xhekaj shared:

"After I went undrafted, Toronto called me, Florida called me, and then it was just kind of a waiting game."

While the Leafs made their pitch, Xhekaj ultimately chose to sign with the Canadiens, the team he had long admired. But that doesn’t mean he’s closed the door on a future with Toronto. With the Leafs consistently in the hunt for a physical, gritty defenseman to add to their lineup, Xhekaj could still be a target for them in the future.

Why Xhekaj Could Be the Missing Piece for Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs have long been criticized for their lack of physicality, particularly on the blue line. Although the team boasts a high-powered offense, they’ve often struggled in high-intensity, playoff scenarios where physicality and toughness are key factors. This is where a player like Arber Xhekaj could make all the difference.

Xhekaj’s ability to break up plays, throw heavy hits, and engage in the physical battles in front of the net would bring a dimension to the Leafs’ defensive corps that they have lacked for years. His combination of size, strength, and aggression would provide the Leafs with the type of player who can intimidate opponents and defend the crease.

Trade Rumors and the Future

Given his impressive rise in Montreal, Xhekaj’s value is at an all-time high, and several teams, including the Leafs, may be eyeing a potential trade. Analysts suggest that Xhekaj could be worth a first-round draft pick or even a top-tier prospect if the Canadiens ever entertain trading him. However, it is believed that Montreal values Xhekaj highly and would only consider trading him for a substantial return.

Despite the rumored interest, Xhekaj has made it clear that he’s happy with where he is, but his openness to future opportunities might mean the Leafs are still in the mix.

The Rivalry Factor

An interesting dynamic to consider is the longstanding rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. A trade between these two historic franchises would be unprecedented and could stir up even more intrigue. This rivalry could complicate any potential deal, as Montreal would likely be hesitant to strengthen their direct rival, especially with a player as impactful as Xhekaj.

The Future for Arber Xhekaj

As of now, Arber Xhekaj is firmly planted with the Montreal Canadiens, and it looks like he will continue to develop into a key player for them. However, the NHL is a business, and with the Leafs’ ongoing search for the perfect defenseman, Xhekaj’s future with Toronto could still be a possibility—whether that means a trade or just as a future target in free agency.

Xhekaj’s combination of toughness, skill, and leadership is exactly what the Toronto Maple Leafs have been seeking for years. His ability to perform in the high-pressure moments that often derail the Leafs in the postseason could be the missing link for a team that’s aiming for more than just regular-season success. As the NHL offseason moves forward, the Leafs and their fans will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this dynamic, physical defenseman.