Florian Xhekaj: What if the timing was perfect?

And that’s never a trivial phrase.

If Xhekaj is back in the conversation, it’s not just because he’s playing well. It’s because the Canadiens are going through a period of limited forward options.

With only 12 active forwards and no surplus players in the NHL, the organization can’t afford any surprises. And when the club lacks physical, energetic and momentum-changing options, a player like Xhekaj becomes relevant.

He wouldn’t take the place of a scorer. He’d be filling a role. And that’s rarely a problem, especially in a team that’s still looking for its identity, tone and a bit of bite.

We often talk about physique, and yes, he’s got it. But what stands out today is something else. He’s playing simpler. He wins battles. He disturbs without sabotaging. He understands when to step up and when to pull back. That’s development.

The risk, as always, would be to call him back too soon. But waiting too long could cause the Habs to miss the wave… and Xhekaj is in the middle of it.

For what the Unicorn could bring to the Canadiens in terms of talent and sandpaper, you have to consider his recall.

overtime

– Read more.

– Who will be the first pick in the 2026 draft?

– Interesting point of view.

– Seeing him make the effort to speak in French is a good thing.