I don’t know enough about the other picks to say 1st or 2nd round. But you can’t help but feel he has a ton of room to improve.
If those flashes of high ish end skill become more frequent, he could really be something fairly special
I was able watch the Bulldogs game against Kingston and these are my observations about Florian Xhekaj’s (FX) performance.
As usual, FX played in all game situations, including Brantford’s first power play unit and the Bulldogs’ penalty killing unit. He did not, however, play at all during the overtime period.
FX continued to display good straight forward speed (with and without the puck) and very good offensive anticipation and playmaking skills. He has the ability to make the soft/subtle passes which belie his image as a mere power forward. FX has an NHL level wrist shot which he showed on the goal he scored. But it was his play that led up to his goal, when, sensing a turnover was likely, he positioned himself in an area that allowed to take a pass and have a free pathway to the opposition net, that was as equally impressive as his shot. That positioning/anticipation speaks of a player that has a feeling for the game. A skill that can't be taught.
What was an even more impressive play than his goal was when FX, while on the penalty kill, was able to anticipate the Kingston player's intended move and strip his opponent of the puck and send a teammate in on a clear break-a-way from center ice. It's good to be 6'4", have above average mobility, possess good anticipation and have the reach of the Larry Byrd.
Before everyone starts believing we have a sure fire NHLer in this 4th round pick, it must be remembered that FX is competing against 17, 18 and 19 year olds, most of whom will be out of high-end, competitive hockey by the time they are 21. NHL competition that he will be facing will be much stiffer. Despite all his pluses, and there are many pluses, unless FX gets quicker, he still has a way to go before he can become an impactful player in the NHL. Looking at his bloodlines, I think he will do everything necessary to join his older brother.
FX had another strong game against Ottawa this afternoon ( 2 goals and 3 assists) . I will be watching the video of this game later this evening and post my comments after the Canadiens' game against Seattle.