Calgary Flames Once Again Linked to Intriguing Young Defenseman

The Calgary Flames have done some great work over the past two summers in building for the future, and now, potentially the next decade of their blue line has been secured. With Kevin Bahl, Simon Nemec, Hunter Brzustewicz, Yan Kuznetsov, Zayne Parekh and Carson Carels, this could be one of the best groups in the NHL one day, but that doesn't mean there won't be changes in the years to come.

Given that that group is supplemented by the likes of Zach Whitecloud, Jake Middleton and Joel Hanley, the team have some big time decisions to make in the coming months, and now, a recurring rumour has been brought to life once more. After being linked to Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj several times in the past year, a new report has once again suggested that the Flames could be interested in the Habs hard-hitting blue liner.

In a different situation, Xhekaj could be a solid fit for the Flames bottom pairing, but given that they're deciding between Middleton, Kuznetsov, Hanley, Whitecloud, Pachal and Brzustewicz for two roles moving forward, adding another defenseman simply doesn't make sense. Even in the event that they deal a player like Whitecloud, the Flames need to be prioritizing players with high upside under the age of 23, and as a result, this wouldn't be a wise move.

To date, Craig Conroy has avoided moves like this that simply don't make sense, and given the assets he gave up to land Simon Nemec earlier in the off-season, adding another defenseman to a crowded blue line is where he needs to show restraint once again. Not only that, but he needs to make a call on one or two of the veterans that could take time away from their young blue liners, and even though this speculation has restarted, it's a rumour that simply needs to go away, as the fit just isn't there for Xhekaj in Calgary.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow