Canadiens Activate Florian Xhekaj

The Montreal Canadiens returned a fourth-line forward just before the start of the Heritage Classic. According to Sportnet’s Eric Engels, the Canadiens added Florian Xhekaj to the lineup for tonight’s game, indicating that he has been activated from injured reserve.

Xhekaj, 22, hasn’t played since early October due to a lower-body injury. In his first two contests of the 2026-27 campaign, Xhekaj went scoreless with a -4 rating, averaging 8:36 of ice time per game. Xhekaj is also scoreless in today’s outdoor matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, but he has delivered five hits and blocked a shot.

Although he only has a few NHL appearances under his belt, Xhekaj could provide an offensive spark to Montreal’s bottom six. He is as irritating as one could be in front of the net, where he earns most of his scoring chances. Xhekaj also plays with a nasty edge like his older brother and teammate, Arber Xhekaj.

Unfortunately, with Xhekaj returning to the lineup, the Canadiens had to sit another forward. According to Engels, that forward was Owen Beck, who has filled in for Xhekaj over the last little while. Still, Beck isn’t necessarily suited for the fourth line as well as Xhekaj. Beck went scoreless in two games while averaging 7:23 of ice time per game.