Montreal Canadiens forward prospect Florian Xhekaj made a name for himself recently during training camp. Despite facing heavy competition for a roster spot, the younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj lasted until the final cuts, getting sent to the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League on Oct. 5.
The popular opinion outside the coaches’ office was that the 6-foot-4, 204-pounder had done enough to earn a spot, but roster management played against him. Because Xhekaj didn’t require waivers, Montreal chose to keep veterans like Joe Veleno rather than risk losing them for nothing. It was the kind of roster decision that had little to do with performance and everything to do with logistics.
But Xhekaj never sulked. Instead, the 21-year-old has continued to impress, quickly becoming a tone-setter in Laval’s locker room.
Florian Xhekaj Shows Maturity, Leadership in Defense of Laval Teammate
The latest example came Saturday, when Xhekaj wasted no time standing up for a fallen teammate. The night before, in the first of consecutive games against the Abbotsford Canucks, Rocket defenseman Josiah Didier was forced to leave after a frightening incident involving Chase Stillman. In the second period, Stillman slammed a helmet-less Didier to the ice, with his head hitting the surface, and as the veteran laid still, unable to protect himself, Stillman threw a punch that connected.
Didier eventually skated off under his own power, but the play drew a match penalty and plenty of anger. When Stillman was allowed to play in the rematch, Xhekaj didn’t hesitate. Less than a minute into the game, he dropped the gloves and went straight for Stillman. The fight lasted only a few seconds — one punch apiece before Stillman fell to the ice — but the message landed.
And in truth, there was more than one message. Xhekaj showed the Canadiens again the type of player he’s becoming: disciplined, loyal, and unafraid to take responsibility for the moment.
His training camp performance didn’t go unnoticed, either. Coaches and media praised his consistency and ability to handle NHL pace. As The Hockey News noted, he “did enough to deserve a longer look,” using his frame and forechecking pressure to win pucks and tilt possession. He played a simple game but an effective one — the kind of effort that makes coaches comfortable rolling four lines.
That reliability reflects the same maturity he’s shown off the ice. Xhekaj’s perspective was shaped by a serious kidney injury in his teens that kept him out of hockey for months. It’s the kind of experience that changes how a player approaches the grind.
Florian Xhekaj Continues to Impress After Opening Eyes in Training Camp
If he gets the call to the NHL, the Canadiens know what they’re getting: a responsible, physical forward who can hold his own in tight areas and support the puck. He’s not a flashy scorer, although he did set a new Laval single-season rookie record with his 24 goals, and he brings the kind of stability and compete level every coach values.
Head coach Martin St. Louis has emphasized the importance of internal competition, and players like Xhekaj embody that philosophy. He plays hard, plays honest, and makes everyone around him a little tougher.
It might not happen right away, but when Florian Xhekaj earns his first extended NHL look, don’t expect him to blend in quietly. Expect him to make the kind of impression that lasts — just like he did in camp.
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