Florian Xhekaj Likely to Sit vs. Jets, Laval Return on the Table
It looks like there’s a lineup shakeup brewing in Montreal, and it involves one of the Canadiens’ young forwards. Florian Xhekaj is expected to be scratched for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, and there’s growing chatter that a return to the Laval Rocket could be in the cards.
TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reported from the Bell Centre that both Xhekaj and defenseman Adam Engstrom were on the ice for the morning skate, but neither is expected to suit up tonight. Jared Davidson, notably absent from the skate, appears set to draw into the lineup alongside Arber Xhekaj, Florian’s older brother.
While nothing’s been officially confirmed yet, the signs are pointing toward a lineup change - and possibly a shift in the organization’s short-term plans for Florian. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Samuel Blais recalled in the near future, with Xhekaj heading back to Laval for more consistent ice time and development.
Let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean the Canadiens are giving up on Florian. Far from it.
But in a season where the Habs are juggling development with competitiveness, decisions like this are part of the process. Getting regular minutes in Laval might serve Xhekaj better than limited shifts or press box nights in Montreal.
The Canadiens are playing their second game in as many nights, so some rotation was expected. But this particular move is worth watching closely. The organization has two press conferences scheduled for later today, and we could get more clarity on the roster situation as the day unfolds.
Meanwhile, the Xhekaj name is getting plenty of airtime in Montreal - and not just because of Florian. Arber Xhekaj has also been the subject of some strong opinions lately. Former Canadiens defenseman Gilbert Delorme made waves Wednesday morning with a pointed comment on BPM Sports, suggesting Arber’s reluctance to drop the gloves against Ottawa’s Kurtis MacDermid signals “the end of his career in Montreal.”
That’s a bold statement, and one that probably overshoots the mark. Arber’s game has evolved, and while he’s always had a physical edge, the Canadiens are clearly trying to develop him into more than just an enforcer. Still, in a city like Montreal, where passion runs high and every shift is scrutinized, moments like these get magnified.
As for how many Xhekajs will be wearing the CH two years from now - that’s anyone’s guess. But for now, the focus is on tonight’s game, and the decisions that could shape both brothers’ immediate futures.
Stay tuned. The Canadiens’ lineup card isn’t just about who’s in - it’s about what the team is building toward. And for Florian Xhekaj, this could be a temporary step back with the long game in mind.