# What’s DELAYING Montreal Canadiens’ deals With Arber Xhekaj and Zach Bolduc? | Habs penalty kill

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/what-s-delaying-montreal-canadiens-deals-with-arber-xhekaj-and-zach-bolduc-habs-penalty-kill
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/what-s-delaying-montreal-canadiens-deals-with-arber-xhekaj-and-zach-bolduc-habs-penalty-kill.md
Podcast: [Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785)
Published: 2026-09-02T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-canadiens/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/7394b4/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1/episodes/fb6145e2-d7a6-4a53-a32a-aa585c444b54/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1&awEpisodeId=fb6145e2-d7a6-4a53-a32a-aa585c444b54&feed=sKoAYobd
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Duration seconds: 1787

## Resource

Montreal Canadiens fans anxiously await resolution as Zach Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj remain unsigned just weeks before training camp. Contract hold-ups spark questions: Will Xhekaj’s desire for consistent ice time and Bolduc’s playoff flashes result in bridge deals, or are deeper negotiations unfolding behind the scenes? Laura Saba breaks down the latest updates on both players’ negotiations, the Canadiens’ evolving penalty kill strategy, and what’s driving coaching decisions on defense. Additional highlights include upcoming NHL schedule changes, the end of the EBUG “emergency backup goalie” era, and how roster consistency could shape Montreal’s special teams success. With insights into team culture, fan favourites, and future expansion drafts, this episode captures the Canadiens’ pressing offseason storylines as the new season approaches.

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## Transcript

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