Latest News About Florian Xhekaj

Updated 2026-04-27 04:04

Here’s the latest on Florian Xhekaj, based on recent coverage up to early 2025-2026:

Montreal Canadiens prospect gaining traction: Several outlets highlighted Xhekaj’s strong rookie season in the AHL with Laval and his ongoing effort to push for an NHL spot, including praise from coaches and analysts for his physicality, two-way game, and goal-scoring improvement.[4][5]
NHL debut and early impressions: Reports noted his NHL debut included a notable fight, drawing attention to his physical style and willingness to compete at the highest level, with follow-up stories tracking his development and adjustments after his first pro season.[3][9]
Family and background context: Profiles and features reference his brother Arber Xhekaj (also with Montreal) and discuss Florian’s resilience after earlier injuries, framing him as a player with high character and determination to reach the NHL.[1][3]
Ongoing evaluation and rosters: Several updates discuss his status in training camps, rookie camps, and potential audition opportunities with the Canadiens, along with expectations for his development path in Laval or the NHL.[5][4]

If you’d like, I can compile a concise, date-stamped timeline of these developments or pull the most credible excerpts from the specific articles for quick reading. I can also look for any more recent updates beyond early 2025 if you want the very latest.

Would you like a timeline or a short summary with source citations?

Sources

Florian Xhekaj ()

www.hockeyfights.com

Canadiens: Florian Xhekaj Deserves A Big Audition

On Tuesday night, the Montreal Canadiens had two Xhekajs in the lineup: blueliner Arber and center Florian. Playing on the fourth line and seeing 13:49 of ice time, the youngest made an impact and put the organisation on notice that he deserves a real audition.

thehockeynews.com

Trauma shaped Florian Xhekaj's resolve to make NHL dream come ...

You think the fight Florian Xhekaj is in for an NHL job right now is tough? It pales in comparison to the one the Canadiens prospect faced after an incident in a youth hockey tourney left him in critical condition.

www.sportsnet.ca

Florian Xhekaj's mother, Simona, reacts after Canadiens cut forward from roster before start of 2025-26 NHL season - "Head up, light it up in Laval"

Florian Xhekaj's mother, Simona, shared a heartfelt message after the Montreal Canadiens announced that her younger son was among the final cuts ahead of the 2025-26 season opener.

www.sportskeeda.com

Canadiens: Rookie Camp Coaches Rave About Florian Xhekaj

When Florian Xhekaj was drafted 104th overall by the Montreal Canadiens as an overager at the 2023 draft, some believed the Habs had drafted him mainly because of his last name. Still, after one year of pro hockey, no one can believe that anymore. Under Pascal Vincent’s tutelage with the Laval Rocket, the Hamilton, Ontario native gathered 35 points (including 24 goals) in 69 games while also spending 175 minutes in the penalty box.