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Arber Xhekaj: 'Even I probably wouldn’t have fought Nicolas Deslauriers'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 11:11 AM ET

Fighting is less and less fashionable in the NHL. Compared to 20 years ago, I mean, but it’s still an eye-opener to see a player fighting at practice. It shows his courage and what he’s willing to do for his club. Jared Davidson, who did it on Monday, is a good example. But of course, seeing Florian Xhekaj throw down the gloves against Nicolas Deslauriers, who is one of the toughest guys in the NHL, also got a lot of attention. And rightly so.What’s interesting to note is that among the people who were impressed by Florian was his brother Arber. Throwing down the gloves against Deslauriers is intense, and the Sheriff is the first to say it: he certainly wouldn’t have fought the Québécois.

As Eric Engels reminds us, Arber already fought Deslauriers in 2022, when he was pushing for a job in the National Hockey League.

But what the defenseman means is that yesterday, he wouldn’t have thrown down the gloves. So Arber, who is wiser than he used to be (or has been broken by the Habs, depending on how you look at it), fully realized yesterday how much his brother has aged: he can now stand up for himself. That’s a good thing. And the Habs need that…

On this special night for the Xhekaj family, it’s clearer than ever that Florian has a chance of breaking into the club’s line-up at the start of the season. Can he do it?

’Overtime’

– Ah well

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– Using Patrik Laine the right way: it will be important. [BPM Sports] – Officiel.

C’est officiel!

La Première Ligue Canadienne arrive au Québec en 2026! : https://t.co/jlpj5 4NaSQ– It’s official! The Canadian Premier League is coming to Quebec in 2026! : https://t.co/UpzacXM4mH#CanPL pic.twitter.com/9YLpotwGAe– Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) September 24, 2025

– Yes.

Justin Carbonneau might have a real chance to make his mark with the Blues!

New episode of Processus available https://t.co/idKzB2UIGQ pic.twitter.com/PbjklCSAVn– commissionathletique (@Commissionathl) September 24, 2025

– To read.

Stanley Cup-winning coach, Bob Hartley, takes some time to talk about the Montreal Canadiens. His takes on the Dobson acquisition and Lane Hutson are especially interesting.

Full interview below: https://t.co/1wYcR63mZn –Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) September 24, 2025

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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