Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

20 goals for Florian Xhekaj: nobody had that on their bingo card

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 2:05 PM ET

Yesterday, the Laval Rocket was in Manitoba on the heels of a match against the Moose. The Canadiens’ affiliate team won with a score of 3-2.

Alex Barré-Boulet (I wonder how he feels about not having had his chance in the NHL for a few months), Florian Xhekaj, and Sean Farrell found the back of the net.

The Rocket is consolidating its position at the top of its division more and more.

(Credit: The AHL)

But what we need to note from this match against Pascal Vincent’s old team is the fact that Xhekaj scored his 20th goal of the season. That’s really something.

After all, the rookie is a newcomer to the pros, and Arber’s brother plays on a bottom-6 line. Seeing him score 20 goals this season was not expected at all.

Only four rookie players have 20 goals in the AHL at the time of writing. And mentioning Xhekaj among them is unexpected.

In terms of goals, the best rookie in Rocket history had scored 16. And Xhekaj, through his style of play, is increasingly attracting the attention of the Montreal Canadiens. I’m certain of it.

Florian Xhekaj nets his 20th of the season. @RocketLaval | #LAVvsMB pic.twitter.com/vnIrdoNj4G

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) April 2, 2025

At this point, it’s interesting to wonder what he’ll be able to accomplish in the NHL. Does he have what it takes to be an excellent player on a robust fourth line with some offense?

Can he dominate the game with his brother on the ice? He’d like to become a Tom Wilson and draw inspiration from the Tkachuks.

«The evening when the Tkachuks dominated Canada on the ice at the Bell Centre, Arber texted me: “Hey, man, did you see that?” I replied: “It was crazy! We’ll get there”.»

Florian Xhekaj wants to become the Tom Wilson of the Habs.

Soon.

An inspiring story…

— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) March 31, 2025

Between you and me, it’s not utopian to think that Florian could allow the Canadiens to let Arber go. The two have similar strengths and maybe the defenseman’s time is counted in the city.

Unless he also becomes a forward?

Overtime

– Big contract.

It was not a question of San Diego letting him go. https://t.co/d1u5LU58f4

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) April 2, 2025

– Ivan Demidov on the first line.

Ivan Demidov remains on the 1st line with Evgeny Kuznetsov today.

SKA takes on Dynamo Moscow at 12:00pm ET.

They’re down 2-1 in the series. pic.twitter.com/wQUk8wjXDS

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 2, 2025

– Obviously.

Not a surprise that Lane Hutson is on ice for #Habs optional practice this morning in Brossard working with Arber Xhekaj. pic.twitter.com/MCdcX4WQX9

— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) April 2, 2025

– Collective agreement: negotiations begin.

NHL-NHLPA officially began CBA extension talks Tuesday. Gary Bettman had said at the GM meetings a few weeks ago that talks would begin this week, and they indeed have.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 2, 2025

– News from CF Montreal.

#CFMTL this (Wednesday) morning at Nutrilait :

It’s almost a full house here at practice. Herbers, Vilsaint, Neal, Vrioni, Synchuk, Clark, and Saliba are all with the group to start the session. Only Opoku is missing, who got hit yesterday.

It doesn’t seem too…

— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) April 2, 2025

– Anyway.