Montreal Canadiens Camp Notes: Florian Xhekaj Standing Out

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Montreal Canadiens Camp Notes: Florian Xhekaj Standing Out

Originally posted on The Sick Podcast | By Nick Lariviere | Last updated Sep 18, 2026 8:09 PM ET

The lines and defensive pairings remained the same for the Montreal Canadiens on Friday but one player who stood out was forward Florian Xhekaj.

On Friday, the younger Xhekaj, who continued to skate alongside Phillip Danault and Josh Anderson, was all over the ice during the Team B scrimmage. Xhekaj scored a goal and immediately backchecked to prevent a scoring chance the other way, showing he can play a responsible two-way game. After the on-ice sessions, Xhekaj was asked by the media about the possibility of playing with his older brother, Arber Xhekaj on a line for the Montreal Canadiens.

“Growing up, we always talked about that possibility, about being able to play together one day,” Xhekaj told the media.

“If we were on the same line, I think me, him (Arber Xhekaj), and Josh Anderson would be the Demolition Line. So it would be fun,” he continued.

The Habs Group B at training camp today.

– Florian Xhekaj scores a goal and backchecks immediately

– Marty St. Louis skating along with the team, coaching the players in the middle of it all pic.twitter.com/NbD02bkXt7

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 18, 2026

Goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who was part of the Team B skating sessions along with Florian Xhekaj, spoke about having to deal with the young forward over the past two days.

“I only allowed two goals in two days! I’m very pleased with myself. But those two goals, it was Florian Xhekaj who scored them,” said Montembeault.

Another player that created some buzz on Friday was defenseman David Reinbacher, who was asked why he feels that he is ready for the NHL. The 21-year-old kept his answer brief but impactful.

“You’ll see this weekend,” Reinbacher responded.

Head coach Martin St. Louis confirmed that Team A will play in Montreal on Saturday, while Team B will play in Toronto. Please note that the Montreal Canadiens will be playing the Toronto Maple Leafs in two split-squad games on Saturday night at 7:00 pm ET.

Here are the line combinations from day 2 of training camp:

Team A:

Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Chris Kreider

Juraj Slafkovsky – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov

Sasha Pastuljov – Owen Beck – Jared Davidson

Alex Belzile – Lucas Condotta – Tyler Thorpe

Lane Hutson – Alexandre Carrier

Jayden Struble – Arber Xhekaj

Luke Mittlestadt – Ethan Samson

Owen Protz – Aiden Dubinsky

Jakub Dobes

Jacob Fowler