Canadiens: Rookie Camp Coaches Rave About Florian Xhekaj

When Florian Xhekaj was drafted 104th overall by the Montreal Canadiens as an overager at the 2023 draft, some believed the Habs had drafted him mainly because of his last name.

Still, after one year of pro hockey, no one can believe that anymore.

Under Pascal Vincents tutelage with the Laval Rocket, the Hamilton, Ontario native gathered 35 points (including 24 goals) in 69 games while also spending 175 minutes in the penalty box.

Speaking about the younger Xhekajs first season, Vincent qualified it as phenomenal.

He said they werent expecting it at all, adding hes looking forward to seeing how he used his offseason.

Of course, after such a good first year, the 21-year-old will have raised expectations, but the coach cautions that sometimes, its hard to top what was done in the first season, and its a matter of establishing what a players baseline is.

Canadiens: Pascal Vincent Wants Demidov To Play GamesCanadiens To Honour Former Blueliner Andrei MarkovCanadiens: Behind The Scenes At The DraftAs for Martin Laperriere, he called Xhekajs season exceptional, adding they knew he was talented and that he would bring some much-needed grit, but it was much more than that.

He raved about his presence on the ice and about his endearing personality.

The assistant coach said he was well-liked in the dressing room and often took on the role of master of ceremonies in ping pong games or warm-ups.

He added that hes a natural-born leader and will likely be one of the players wholl be fighting for a spot on the roster.

Should he go back to Laval, though, Laperriere added, it would be good for the team as he's an excellent person.

As for what he needs to do to play in the NHL, he praises the way he trained this summer, showing some more muscular mass.

He needs to add a bit of consistency, but hes doing all the right things: winning his draws, going in the corner, and being able to score.

He describes him as an interesting package.

The rookies are hard at work! Photo credit: Pierre Bourgault / Club de hockey Canadien Inc.

#GoHabsGopic.twitter.com/4oe7kFO3mO Karine Hains (@KarineHains) September 10, 2025The work ethic is also evident; the hard-nosed player is one of the ones who stops by the coaches offices, asking if they have clips from him and what he should be working on.

Whichever way you look at it, the Sheriffs brother seems to be pulling all the right moves, and if the Canadiens were to deal with injuries this upcoming season, he could earn himself a call-up.

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