Savard at 1750000 for 2 years to MIN

Team: 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 25, 2023

Published: Aug. 25, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Xhekaj i was against sending to the AHL
That said Xhekaj-Mailloux growing as a Duo has BIG Upside for Xhekaj.
LD is getting crowded and soon at least 2 players have to go whether its MM,KG,JH,AX or NB.
We Got Hutson and Adam Enstrom both overachieving past their draft expectations based on Work Ethic Largely.
They dont take more than a week or two a year off.
Engstrom trained to the point his Coach locked the Gym and told him to politely get a life.
He then began training with his Junior team every day as well which is why when his SHL team was Eliminated.
His final interview when asked "what now" he responded "Playoffs, If my JR team will have me"
He's a die hard and he learned to play RD to get an advantage for team Sweden selection camp and it worked.
He's someone you could say "go play Goalie" and not only would he try, he'd likely do well given the situation.

This brings me back to Xhekaj-Mailloux bonding in the AHL playing big minutes.
What better why to Ensure the Guy we ALL Want behind Guhle and Hutson long term is Xhekaj.
IMO there's not better pick or person because despite Engstrom being amazing Arber brings those same Qualities.
Arber gained 53 lbs of Muscle over 2 seasons ,learned to play RD too at a high level and got control of his Blistering Slapshot.


With all the Stiff competition coming in the summer of 2025 for that next season.
I think Strategically this is Xhekaj's based chance to stay and for growth in minutes/role


Everything else i did here i feel is Direct and Fair-ish.
But i feel like Xhekaj in the AHL was going to start a Crapfest
I wanted to address the logic behind it in hopes they see the upside of 6'4 & 6'6 Defensive Duo
By 2025-26 i want this :

Guhle-TBD(1/4 RD below will remain)
Hutson-Reinbacher
Xhekaj-Mailloux
Engstrom or Struble

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