Coaches Can’t Stop Talking About Florian Xhekaj
When Florian Xhekaj’s name was called at the 2023 NHL Draft, many eyebrows were raised. Taken 104th overall by the Montreal Canadiens, the big winger was considered an overager, and there was chatter that perhaps his famous last name—being the younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj—played a role in the decision. At the time, some doubters believed the pick might have been more about family ties than potential.
And it wasn’t just his scoring that stood out. Xhekaj also racked up 175 penalty minutes, showing that he brought toughness and grit to go along with his offensive touch. Coaches and teammates alike took notice of his ability to balance skill with physicality, and that combination has quickly made him one of the more intriguing young prospects in the Canadiens’ system.
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At the team’s rookie camp this September, Xhekaj has been the talk of the ice. Coaches have been raving about his growth over the past year, pointing out not just the numbers, but the way he carries himself as a professional. His size, standing at 6-foot-4, makes him an imposing figure on the wing, and his willingness to battle in tough areas has added another dimension to his game.
What’s striking is how much the perception around him has shifted. A year ago, the storyline was that Montreal reached for him because of his brother. Today, that idea has been dismissed by his production and work ethic. He has shown that he’s carving his own path, one that could very well lead to an NHL role in the near future.
For fans, it’s easy to see why coaches are excited. The Canadiens are in the middle of a rebuild, and players who combine size, scoring ability, and toughness are exactly the type that can help set a foundation. Xhekaj may not be guaranteed a roster spot just yet, but after the season he just had, and with the praise he’s receiving at rookie camp, he has put himself firmly on the radar.
In short, what once looked like a questionable draft pick has quickly become one of the most promising stories in the Canadiens’ development pipeline. Florian Xhekaj has turned doubters into believers—and the buzz around him is only growing louder.
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