Florian Xhekaj may be doing everything right at Canadiens camp, but the numbers are still working against him.
That’s the uncomfortable truth Anthony Marcotte laid out: no matter how strong Xhekaj looks this summer, there may simply not be a path for him to open the season in Montreal. The reason is blunt and unforgiving. The Canadiens already have 13 forwards under contract, and that leaves the club with no real choice but to cut him, even though he looks like the exact type of player the team needs on its fourth line.
“No matter how good he might still be tonight, there's no room for Florian Xhekaj with the Habs to start the season. With 13 forwards under contract, the club won't have any choice but to cut him. And yet, that's exactly what the club needs for its fourth line…”
Marcotte’s point is simple: Xhekaj has earned attention. He’s better than he was last year and noticeably stronger physically.
On top of that, Xhekaj has made no secret of how he sees his own chances. He said he wants to force management’s hand with what he does on the ice, and he genuinely believes he can crack the lineup this season.
That confidence has been backed up by how he’s performed in camp, and Martin St-Louis also seems to appreciate what he’s brought since the start of camp.
Still, the roster picture hasn’t changed. His brother Arber has just signed a one-year deal with the organization and all signs point to him beginning the season as a regular, while Florian is the one left waiting for a break that may not come right away.
For now, the Laval Rocket could be the landing spot while he waits for another shot with the big club. It’s a tough outcome for Florian Xhekaj, especially given how well he’s looked, but that’s where things stand.
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