Montreal Canadiens players Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj remain restricted free agents as the off-season progresses, leaving their status for the upcoming campaign uncertain. As of July 29, 2026, neither player has reached a new agreement with the organization, preventing them from participating in games should the season begin immediately.
While the most common explanation for such delays is a simple impasse in contract term negotiations, a new theory has gained traction among observers. During a recent episode of The Sick Podcast, Stu Cowan suggested that general manager Kent Hughes might be intentionally delaying the signings to retain flexibility for potential trades. This strategy would allow the Canadiens to package the players—or move them as unsigned assets—to facilitate larger roster adjustments, such as acquiring a target like Kirill Marchenko from Columbus.
History shows that the Canadiens are not strangers to this approach; players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook were in similar positions before finding their way to Montreal. While no official confirmation exists that Hughes is pursuing this path, the lack of movement on Bolduc, Xhekaj, and other prospects like Sasha Pastujov and Maksymilian Szuber has kept the speculation alive. For now, both players remain under the club’s control, as the Canadiens retain the right to match any offer sheets they might receive.
Follow-up Questions
What is confirmed in this story?
Contract Negotiations Stall for Canadiens' Bolduc and Xhekaj Montreal Canadiens restricted free agents Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj remain unsigned, sparking theories about potential trades by GM Kent Hughes.
What should readers watch next?
While the most common explanation for such delays is a simple impasse in contract term negotiations, a new theory has gained traction among observers.
What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story.
Perspectives
Management Strategy vs Player/Agent Perspective
Story lens
Management Strategy
The front office, led by Kent Hughes, may be prioritizing roster flexibility. By delaying the signing of RFAs, the team maintains the ability to include these players in trade packages without being locked into long-term salary commitments
Player/Agent Perspective
From the players' standpoint, the goal remains securing a contract that reflects their value. Prolonged negotiations often stem from differences in term length (bridge vs. long-term) and salary expectations
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