The Montreal Canadiens have agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with forward Florian Xhekaj, the younger brother of defenseman Arber Xhekaj12345. Xhekaj, a 19-year-old left winger, stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 190 lb.
This season, he recorded 34 goals and 31 assists for a total of 65 points in 63 games with the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In the playoffs, he added five points in six games.
The Canadiens selected Xhekaj in the fourth round (101st overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft1.As part of the agreement, Xhekaj has also signed a professional tryout offer to join the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. He is expected to meet the team in Cleveland
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract (2024-25 to 2026-27) with forward Florian Xhekaj.
News release ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/pIkr9PJfCu
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 9, 2024
The 19-year-old forward, who will turn 20 on June 27, 2024, concluded the season with an impressive performance for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Brantford Bulldogs, tallying 34 goals and 65 points in 63 games.
Additionally, he contributed five points in six playoff games. Over his two-year OHL career, he amassed 47 goals and 90 points. Following Brantford’s elimination from the playoffs last weekend, Xhekaj is set to join the American Hockey League (AHL) Laval Rocket for the final stretch towards the playoffs.Initially undrafted in his first year of NHL Draft eligibility in 2022, Xhekaj joined the Bulldogs for the 2022-23 season after their relocation from Hamilton to Brantford. His performance that season caught the attention of the Canadiens, leading to his selection in the fourth round at 101st overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Described as a “unicorn” by Nick Bobrov, the co-director of amateur scouting, Xhekaj’s potential was highly regarded, especially considering he was an “overager” at the time.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds, Florian possesses NHL-ready size and excels in physical play, reminiscent of his older brother. His ability to score goals in tight spaces and his strong shot were evident in his 34-goal season.
Montreal’s decision to sign Xhekaj reflects their strategy of adding size and grit to their roster, leveraging his family background to enhance their lineup.Florian Xhekaj becomes the second player from the 2023 draft class, following David Reinbacher, to secure an entry-level contract with Montreal. Currently signed to an amateur tryout (ATO) contract, he is poised to bolster the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the 2023-24 season before his entry-level deal with the Canadiens takes effect in 2024-25.
His arrival provides Laval with scoring depth, size, and toughness as they compete for a playoff spot in the AHL North Division, aiming for their third consecutive postseason appearance.
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