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Florian Xhekaj at Laval: Just what he needs

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 7:58 PM ET

Florian Xhekaj showed us some great things at the most recent practice camp. Earlier today, the Montreal Canadiens waived Samuel Blais and Kaapo Kahkonen, while sending Florian Xhekaj, Owen Beck and Adam Engstrom to Laval.

Even if he has gained points with the recent preparatory schedule, Arber’s little brother will be much more successful playing in Laval, than as an extra player up top. We know that he knows how to use his fists and that he’s not afraid of the cold, but he confirmed this against the Flyers in the preparatory game by throwing down the gloves against Nicolas Deslauriers. It takes guts to do that, and even though he got roughed up, it speaks volumes about his courage, and we saw him throw down the gloves again in the game against the Senators in Quebec City. Jan Jenik didn’t have it easy.

Florian Xhekaj is FIRED UP after his fight with Jan Jeník pic.twitter.com/ZVcRneVVra

– TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 30, 2025

And if his professional rookie season of 24 goals and 175 penalty minutes is any indication, he brings a lot to a club.

He can put it in, he can hit it hard (especially as he’s put on a lot of muscle mass since last year) and he can certainly defend his teammates. A bit like Tom Wilson, basically.Xhekaj will therefore have the chance with the Rocket to play big minutes, in a “pacted” club and thus give the Rocket the chance to be a Calder Cup contender, once again. Last year, he had a mainly defensive role with bottom-6 minutes and power play. This season, he could get the chance to shine on the massive attack and play a good 18-20 minutes a game with good players, and with a full season in an important role in Laval, it will be far more beneficial for his development, rather than him being in Montreal as a 14th forward. There wasn’t room for him this season anyway, and he’s not a Michael Pezzetta, but rather an interesting project

’Overtime’

– For those who want a good laugh:

Hockey season is almost here, but first, follow Sam and Zack on

the golf course

Hockey season is almost here, but

first

, follow Sam and Zack on the golf course#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/mXNl6SLi3E– Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 5, 2025

– An interesting comparison.

Nicolas Cloutier shared an interesting comparison – he sees Oliver Kapanen developing into a player much like Eetu Luostarinen of the Florida Panthers.

Written by: Nick Lariviere #thesickpodcast https://t.co/c9O6rMaYbA –The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) October 5, 2025

– Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk finally signs a contract, one of two players still free as a bird along with Jack Roslovic. Grzelcyk still collected 40 points last year.

sunday signing everyone say hi Matt!!! https://t.co/DVBQHS

YtY5 pic.twitter.com/lrT5nUIj2x– Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 5, 2025

– To read.

His wife could go into labor at any moment. https://t.co/6k2uWeJQ93 –

Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) October 5, 2025

– Trey Yesavage is already up to 11 strikeouts batting in the 5th inning in his first career playoff game. The

record for K’s by a rookie in a playoff game is 15 (Livan Hernandez, 1997). The Jays’ Trey Yesavage is up to 11

– Alexandre Pratt (@alexandrepratt) October 5, 2025

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

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