Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends $84M Flames Star to Canadiens in Bold Multi-Player Deal

Cole Shelton, who has previously worked with CBC, just proposed a very surprising trade involving the Montreal Canadiens-and it centers around defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

The upcoming season for the Canadiens is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in a long time, and fans are hopeful that Martin St. Louis's squad can once again secure a spot in the playoffs.

Kent Hughes has been very active since the start of the summer, and his biggest move is undoubtedly the acquisition of defenseman Noah Dobson. At just 25 years old, the 6'4", 200 lb blueliner joins a defensive corps that also includes Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble, Alexandre Carrier, and Arber Xhekaj.

The organization has considerable depth on the blue line, and close attention will be paid to the performances of David Reinbacher as well as the talented Adam Engstrom, who could certainly shake things up.

The front office also managed to draft a young defenseman with massive potential during the most recent draft-Bryce Pickford. He was selected in the 3rd round, 81st overall, and recorded an impressive total of 20 goals and 47 points in 48 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL during the 2024-25 season. Over three seasons in junior hockey, Pickford led his team to the Memorial Cup Final twice.

In a new article published on Heavy by Cole Shelton, who has also worked with CBC Sports, he suggests that the Canadiens acquire Jonathan Huberdeau from the Calgary Flames.

In return, he offers Josh Anderson, Arber Xhekaj, Owen Beck, and a 2026 second-round pick.

At 32 years old, Jonathan Huberdeau earns an annual salary of $10,500,000 through the end of the 2030-31 season.