The idea of the Xhekaj brothers sharing the same line in Montreal has been floating around for a while, and Florian Xhekaj just gave it a name that fits the brothers’ style perfectly.
With Arber Xhekaj back on a one-year deal and the Canadiens’ blue line crowded enough that there have been discussions about moving him to forward, the possibility of putting the brothers together has become more than just a fun thought. It could also open the door to a childhood dream for both of them.
Florian is still battling for one of the final roster spots at Canadiens training camp after making his NHL debut last season and appearing in five games. And when he was asked about the possibility of lining up with Arber, he made it clear the idea has been in the family conversation for years.
"Obviously, growing up we would always talk about that, if we ever got to play together, but he is a defenseman. If we got on the same line, I think me, him, and [Josh Anderson] would be like a demolition line," Florian Xhekaj said.
That label feels pretty fitting. Arber led the Canadiens in hits last season, Anderson finished fourth, and Florian brings his own physical edge while offering a little more offense at this stage of his career. Put those three together, and Montreal would have a fourth line built to lean on opponents.
Former Laval head coach Pascal Vincent called Florian Xhekaj a "unicorn" earlier this summer, praising his ability to play any position on a line, bring physicality with a good stick, and contribute on both the power play and penalty kill.
That kind of versatility gives the Canadiens something interesting to work with if they ever decide to test out the brother combo alongside Anderson. A group like that could give Montreal a heavier look, especially against a team such as the Carolina Hurricanes, who were the more physical side in last season’s playoffs.
For now, the brothers are not even in the same camp group. Florian is in Group B, while Arber is in Group A.
So the “Demolition Line” probably won’t show up in the preseason. But if the regular season opens the right door, it’s a concept worth watching.
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Pierre LeBrun has now suggested another club could be in the mix, and the ripple effect matters for Canadiens fans because Laines next move is still very much part of Montreals recent story. Several teams have reportedly shown interest already, including Ottawa, the Islanders, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Florida, Toronto and Los Angeles, and the uncertainty only grows as the market searches for a fit. [Read more 🡒]
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Arber Xhekaj only adds to the intrigue. The defenseman said hes open to playing forward, a position he briefly tried last season, and that kind of flexibility can matter on a team trying to find more toughness and versatility without sacrificing structure. With Florian Xhekaj also in camp, Montreal suddenly has a few different ways to think about how it wants to use its bigger bodies, even if the exact answers are still to come. [Read more 🡒]
Florian Xhekaj Just Forced A Bigger Canadiens Roster Debate
Florian Xhekaj has already spent enough of Canadiens camp around established NHL players to suggest the organization is taking a closer look at him, and his physical growth has only added to the intrigue. The younger Xhekaj has arrived in better shape and with a more imposing frame, giving Montreal another intriguing option as it sorts through the usual preseason questions about who can handle a bigger role and who still needs more seasoning.
The conversation got louder in the preseason game against Toronto, when Xhekaj dropped the gloves and added some edge to a roster fight that already had plenty of attention on it. With Arber Xhekaj also back in the Canadiens organization on a one-year deal, the family angle only sharpens the debate around whether Florian is simply bringing energy and toughness to camp or forcing the front office to think harder about how soon he can fit into the mix. [Read more 🡒]