Today, Arber Xhekaj is a true fan favorite for the Montreal Canadiens.

His journey is practically worthy of a movie, and as an undrafted player, he quickly established himself as a very useful player in the NHL for Martin St-Louis’ team.

We know that the Philadelphia Flyers tried to acquire him through a trade last season, we know that the Toronto Maple Leafs would love to have a tough defenseman like Xhekaj in their lineup, and we know that the majority of NHL teams would like to have him on their side.

But here’s a good one.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also made an offer for Arber Xhekaj a few years ago

That’s what the tough Canadiens defenseman himself revealed in an interview on the popular podcast Spittin’ Chiclets.

As Samuel Doiron also reports, Xhekaj could have easily ended up with the Maple Leafs if he had listened to his agent.

In an interview with Paul Bissonnette, Arber Xhekaj mentions that he chose Montreal, but it was the Toronto Maple Leafs who first came knocking on his door.

Wow.

Imagine if the Toronto Maple Leafs had Arber Xhekaj today. He is exactly the kind of player they so desperately need, but we are very happy to have him here.

«After an excellent final season in junior hockey in 2021-22, Xhekaj, who had not been drafted in the NHL, was hoping that his favorite team, the Montreal Canadiens, would call him. He mentions that the Toronto Maple Leafs first made him an offer, but he didn’t accept it even though his agent suggested he shouldn’t wait.»

He mentions that the Florida Panthers also called him, but he was still waiting for Montreal’s call.

Finally, a few days later, he received his much-anticipated invitation from the Habs, and the rest is history, as they say!

Full episode: