Prospect Info: [2023 - 101st] Florian Xhekaj (OHL - Brantford Bulldogs)

[Tyson]

I have watched this kid closely since we drafted him and have always come away impressed with his hockey skills and vision. As I have noted in the past, Florian keyed the Brantford power play last year. This is no bottom line plug.

His straightforward speed is already NHL level. But hockey today is mostly played in 10 to 15 sq foot areas where quickness and agility is paramount. Unless Florian gets quicker, his effectiveness at the next level will be muted.

Can he gain that extra step? As one poster said: never bet against a Xhekaj

Question- do you think the Habs should consider moving Arber to the wing? There are many examples of Dmen who have played both positions, D and FWD.
Jimmy Roberts is someone I remember Scotty Bowman using at both positions, Brent Burns is another.
The one that closely resembles Arber is Nicholas Deslauriers who was drafted as a Dman if I am not mistaken.
With the Habs having so many promising D in the pipeline I think it is something they should look at.

 

[Whitesnake]

Question- do you think the Habs should consider moving Arber to the wing? There are many examples of Dmen who have played both positions, D and FWD.
Jimmy Roberts is someone I remember Scotty Bowman using at both positions, Brent Burns is another.
The one that closely resembles Arber is Nicholas Deslauriers who was drafted as a Dman if I am not mistaken.
With the Habs having so many promising D in the pipeline I think it is something they should look at.

Dustin Byfuglien.

 

[Whitesnake]

A 4th line composed of both brothers in the wings of a 4th line could be a lot of fun....maybe not always for the coach...but clearly for the fans..lol

 

[Victoire HuGo]

Putting defenseman at forward is the trope I hate the most in hockey.

 

[Tyson]

Dustin Byfuglien.

Great example

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Question- do you think the Habs should consider moving Arber to the wing? There are many examples of Dmen who have played both positions, D and FWD.
Jimmy Roberts is someone I remember Scotty Bowman using at both positions, Brent Burns is another.
The one that closely resembles Arber is Nicholas Deslauriers who was drafted as a Dman if I am not mistaken.
With the Habs having so many promising D in the pipeline I think it is something they should look at.

I’d move Mailloux to the wing in a blink. He has many NHL qualities: size, offensive vision, shot and compete level. But this kid can’t skate at an NHL level required to be an effective defenceman.

Abner has a bit more quickness/ explosiveness than Mailloux, but his top end speed once in flight is lower and he lacks Mailloux’s play making skills and offensive vision.

Abner is going to have to make his mark as a defenceman in the NHL while Mailloux’s only pathway to the next level is as a power/ offensive winger.