Deep down, Florian Xhekaj probably realized he wasn’t going to crack the Canadiens’ roster this season.
But the fact the 21-year-old Laval Rocket centre made it to the final round of cuts — along with forward Owen Beck and defenceman Adam Engstrom — bolsters his confidence, knowing his time with the Canadiens will come.
It also could be argued he has already moved ahead of Beck on the prospect depth chart, although Beck already was recalled for two games this month after injuries to Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine.
“I made it as far as you can go without making the team,” Xhekaj said this week. “I was proud of myself for that. I don’t think I surprised myself, but I think I surprised a lot of people. And that was good.
“I think I showed a mix of everything,” added the 6-foot-3, 217-pounder from Hamilton, who is the younger brother of Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj. “I think I showed, obviously, my physical game. I had three fights in three games. I showed I could do that and stand up for my teammates. I had a goal and some offensive chances. I showed everything.”
Xhekaj certainly didn’t pick his spots at training camp. He battled Philadelphia’s Nicolas Deslauriers, considered among the NHL’s toughest players, in a Sept. 23 exhibition game. While Xhekaj appeared to lose a split decision, he held his own.
“I was just kind of skating in the corner and thought I’d see if I could get a little reaction out of him,” Xhekaj remembered. “I bumped him and he gave me a little reaction. One thing led to another and the gloves came off. I thought it would be a good thing to do — show them I’m not going to back down from anyone. Even though I’m young, I’ll stay in there with anyone. I thought it was a good thing I did.”
Canadiens’ Florian Xhekaj and Ottawa Senators’ Jan Jenik trade punches during first period in Quebec City on Sept. 30.
Selected in the fourth round (101st overall) by Montreal in 2023, Xhekaj surprised some with his offensive skills as a rookie last season, with 24 goals and 35 points in 69 games. That included four goals on the power play, four while short-handed and six game-winners. He also led the AHL with 175 penalty minutes, but showed he could be sound defensively and had a plus-10 differential.
While he started slowly, his game began to flourish after he had three goals and five points in a Dec. 15 game at Bridgeport. Although he had junior eligibility remaining as an overage player, management didn’t believe he would prosper returning to that level.
Through five games this season, he has a goal and an assist.
“He got better and better,” said Laval head coach Pascal Vincent, who reached the 400-game plateau in the AHL last Friday. “He’s got good skills, better than what people think. But he can’t lose the physical side of his game and the presence.
“What I like this year and what he has learned — and this may surprise you — it’s his self-evaluation. He knows what he is, who he is. He knows when he has a good game or not, and it’s not related to points or fights. He knows what he needs to do in order to play a good game. … To me, that’s a big skill he has. I expect him to keep progressing, keep getting better.”
This season, Xhekaj wants to continue providing offence, but on a more consistent basis. He also realizes his play in the defensive zone, making quick reads, can always improve.
“Stay consistent every night while bringing that physical aspect,” he said. “Be hard to play against, but also be a guy that can score. Bring a mix of both and elevate my game.
“I knew it was going to come down to the wire (with the Canadiens). I was trying to push for that last spot and do everything I could. When I got sent down, I got a lot of positive (feedback). They want me to come down here and develop more. My time will come. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
The Rocket’s three-game road trip didn’t start well, as Laval lost 6-2 at Belleville Wednesday night. Engstrom and Laurent Dauphin scored, but goalie Jacob Fowler didn’t look strong while facing 24 shots. Jared Davidson was minus-4, while Beck and Filip Mesar were both minus-3. The trip continues with games Friday at Rochester and Utica the following night.
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