Florian Xhekaj, a promising young talent for the Montreal Canadiens, has drawn attention from both media and fans following his standout performance during the team’s 2025 training camp. The 21-year-old forward, younger brother of Arber Xhekaj, has proven that he not only shares a last name but also a fierce playing style, sparking excitement about a potential powerhouse duo on the ice.
In a recent interview, Florian expressed his enthusiasm about playing alongside his brother: “It’s awesome, he’s a similar player to me but he’s a forward… You thought one was bad, now you got two.”
The quote quickly went viral, capturing the aggressive spirit he brings to the game. He also warned, “It’s going to hurt,” signaling his intent to be a physical presence and enforcer for his teammates.
During the 2024–2025 season with the Laval Rocket, Florian played 69 games, scored 24 goals, added 11 assists, and racked up 175 penalty minutes, with a +10 rating. After gaining 15 pounds of muscle over the summer, now weighing in at 220 lbs, he’s even more imposing than before.
One of the most emotional moments came during a recent game against the Flyers, where both Florian and Arber scored goals. Their mother, Simona, traveled over 600 kilometers from Hamilton to witness the game, which also featured Florian in a physical altercation with veteran Nicolas Deslauriers—further cementing his reputation as a tough competitor.
While his spot on the main roster has yet to be confirmed, Florian is in contention alongside Oliver Kapanen, Joe Veleno, and Owen Beck. If he doesn’t start the season in Montreal, he’s expected to be a key figure in Laval and the top candidate for a call-up in case of injuries.
The Xhekaj brothers’ presence on the ice promises to bring intensity and grit to the Canadiens, as the team evaluates how best to integrate this dynamic duo into its strategy for the upcoming season.