The 6-foot-4, 190 lb. left winger, Florian Xhekaj, known as “The Deputy” in homage to his brother’s nickname, “The Sheriff,” has made waves in the NHL scene. He recently signed a three-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens, following his standout season with the Brantford Bulldogs, where he notched an impressive 65 total points over 63 games.
Xhekaj’s journey from the Brantford Bulldogs to the Montreal Canadiens has been nothing short of remarkable. Selected in the fourth round (101st overall) by the Canadiens in the 2023 NHL Draft, his ascent to the professional ranks has been swift and impressive.
Xhekaj’s contract includes a professional tryout, allowing him to showcase his skills with the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the 2023-24 season before officially joining the Canadiens. This opportunity provides the young winger with the chance to acclimate to professional hockey and transition into the NHL.
As “The Deputy” prepares to wear the Canadiens jersey, fans eagerly anticipate the impact he’ll have on the team’s forward lineup. With his towering presence, speed, and scoring ability, Xhekaj promises to be a formidable addition to the Canadiens’ offensive strategy.
Despite the news of his brother’s upcoming shoulder surgery, there was reassuring news that his brother should recover in time for next season, making an exciting opportunity for the two brothers to play together later this year.
This development adds an extra layer of excitement for Habs fans, who can’t wait for the debut of Florian in the Canadiens lineup. The prospect of seeing him alongside other young talents like Jacob Fowler, Lane Hutson, and David Reinbacher, expected to join the team in upcoming years, only adds to the anticipation. Stay tuned as the Canadiens’ future takes shape with these young players on the horizon.
ITR 36: Coaching Carousel – Inside The Rink
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