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Arber Xhekaj (really) likes to fight with Florian by his side

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 6:28 PM ET

Since the start of practice camp, there’s been a lot of talk in Montreal about the Xhekaj brothers. While Arber looks like a transformed defenseman, Florian has the knife between his teeth and looks like he really wants to start the year in the NHL.The odds aren’t necessarily in his favor… but the fact that he’s still in camp is a good sign.And of course, we know that both guys can fight. It’s one of their main assets, as we saw on Tuesday night, when both brothers showed their mettle in a very physical match, notably by throwing down the gloves. And today, Arber was asked about playing with his brother… and you can tell he really, really likes it:

Getting into scrimmages with him is incredible. You thought fighting a Xhekaj was difficult? Now you’ve got two.

–

Arber Xhekaj

Arber Xhekaj today on playing alongside his brother Florian:

“It’s awesome. He’s a similar player to me but he’s a forward. Just to be out there with him is pretty special. To scrum it up with him is awesome. You thought (fighting) one was bad? Now you got two (Xhekajs).” pic.twitter.com/lXJsFeXcPK– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 2, 2025

Arber gave his younger brother some love, noting that the two guys are similar despite playing different positions. And for Arber, being in the same uniform as Florian is pretty special.The two guys have had the opportunity to play together twice since the start of camp… and there could be a third opportunity on Saturday, if both guys are still there.

We know that the Sheriff, when talking to the media today, mentioned that the club hasn’t necessarily targeted any particular players, but he’ll have a long memory when it comes to certain dirty tricks.I imagine that if the Habs intend to play that game, we could see both brothers in uniform on Saturday. But then again, the Senators could very well hide their players, you know.

https://t.co/viOVZQ8Ro3 –

TVA Sports (@TVASports) October 2, 2025

What’s clear, that said, is that the two Xhekaj brothers really like playing together. And clearly, those are words that could work in Florian’s favor.Because even if he doesn’t start the year in town, he’s clearly shown that it’ll be hard for the club to ignore him if they have to issue a recall.

’Overtime’

– Andrei Vasilevskiy is okay, according to Elliotte Friedman.

Word is Vasilevskiy is going to play Saturday and is expected to play the Lightning’s opener on Thursday.

So, this is insurance, just in case. https://t.co/Icel6S2t8n –Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 2, 2025

– Will he make it?

Sean Farrell to steal his spothttps://t.co/fiQjYbddSF–

RDS (@RDSca) October 2, 2025

– News from CF Montreal.

#CFMTL: Thursday PM at Centre Nutrilait. 1. Owen Graham-Roache, who left yesterday’s practice early, is not present today. He wasn’t putting much weight on one of his legs at the end of yesterday’s session. (My photo of yesterday is from yesterday) 2. Félix… pic.twitter.com/D5CN1GuAKi

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) October 2, 2025

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

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