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<\/a> and Patrik Laine.<\/p>\n \u201cI made it as far as you can go without making the team,\u201d Xhekaj said this week. \u201cI was proud of myself for that. I don\u2019t think I surprised myself, but I think I surprised a lot of people. And that was good.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I showed a mix of everything,\u201d added the 6-foot-3, 217-pounder from Hamilton, who is the younger brother of Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Xhekaj certainly didn\u2019t pick his spots at training camp. He battled Philadelphia\u2019s Nicolas Deslauriers<\/a>, considered among the NHL\u2019s toughest players, in a Sept. 23 exhibition game. While Xhekaj appeared to lose a split decision, he held his own.<\/p>\n \u201cI was just kind of skating in the corner and thought I\u2019d see if I could get a little reaction out of him,\u201d Xhekaj remembered. \u201cI 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 \u2014 show them I\u2019m not going to back down from anyone. Even though I\u2019m young, I\u2019ll stay in there with anyone. I thought it was a good thing I did.\u201d<\/p>\n Canadiens\u2019 Florian Xhekaj and Ottawa Senators\u2019 Jan Jenik trade punches during first period in Quebec City on Sept. 30.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t believe he would prosper returning to that level.<\/p>\n Through five games this season, he has a goal and an assist.<\/p>\n \u201cHe got better and better,\u201d said Laval head coach Pascal Vincent<\/a>, who reached the 400-game plateau in the AHL last Friday. \u201cHe\u2019s got good skills, better than what people think. But he can\u2019t lose the physical side of his game and the presence.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I like this year and what he has learned \u2014 and this may surprise you \u2014 it\u2019s his self-evaluation. He knows what he is, who he is. He knows when he has a good game or not, and it\u2019s not related to points or fights. He knows what he needs to do in order to play a good game. \u2026 To me, that\u2019s a big skill he has. I expect him to keep progressing, keep getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cStay consistent every night while bringing that physical aspect,\u201d he said. \u201cBe hard to play against, but also be a guy that can score. Bring a mix of both and elevate my game.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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\u2019m excited to see what the future holds.\u201d<\/p>\n The Rocket\u2019s three-game road trip didn\u2019t start well, as Laval lost 6-2 at Belleville Wednesday night. Engstrom and Laurent Dauphin scored, but goalie Jacob Fowler<\/a> didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n![\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/72b8b576915c39056398e737926f1bbb.jpeg\"\/)
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