Prospect Info: Florian Xhekaj

[Skip Bayless]

His numbers don't look great, but if he has the development curve of Arber, he is going to be one hell of a pick.

That's what I'm thinking. I remember reading somewhere that he was actually a skilled player. The numbers don't look good, specially at that age, but he was a rookie in the CHL and Hamilton is where all offense goes to die.

Not saying he's some hidden gem or a steal, but I wouldn't be surprised if he shows something he didn't show at all last year.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

If he can be the 4th line winger version of Arber, sure would be fun to have those boys patrolling the ice.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

 

[BaseballCoach]

From Elite Prospects:

Season​	Team​	League​	GP​	G​	A​	TP​	PIM​
2016-2017​	Hamilton Huskies PW​	QC Int PW​	2​	3​	1​	4​	4​
2017-2018​	Draftday Hockey Selects U14​	WSI U14​	5​	1​	0​	1​	-​
2018-2019​	Hamilton Huskies U15 AAA​	ALLIANCE U15​	-​	-​	-​	-​	-​
2019-2020​	Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs U16 AAA​	SCTA U16​	32​	11​	11​	22​	24​
2020-2021​	Pelham Panthers​	GOJHL​	0​	0​	0​	0​	0​
2021-2022​	Pelham Panthers​	GOJHL​	48​	17​	23​	40​	62​
2022-2023​	Brantford Bulldogs​	OHL​	68​	13​	12​	25​	76​
2023-2024​	Brantford Bulldogs​	OHL​	-​	-​	-​	-​	-​

I knew that - I was taking a shot at Hockeydb - kind of a big fail, the GOHL should be on their radar

 

[HuGort]

You can argue they took him earlier than expected, but I'm happy that Habs did grab a guy who plays with sandpaper. I'm not the type that just wants skill guy after skill guy after skill guy. I want variety in the pipeline. That's why if you look back to when Pez was still a prospect at Junior, I was among those who was singing his praises. And I continue to do so.

I figured they would take him when I seem him play. Tough guy he is

 

[Adam Michaels]

 

[Wats]

Honestly I'm glad they drafted him, just wish they didn't reach with a high 4th rounder. With that said, can to imagine this guy improving at the curve Arber did and becoming a monster 4th liner. He doesn't seem to have much experience so if he improves skating, keeps being mean, and gets stronger/smarter defensively...Habs are going make people cry.

 

[rickthegoon]

If there's one thing we learned this year, is that you should never bet against a Xhekaj family member.
Happy for the kid, and actually don't mind he was picked in the 4th round.
I would not be one bit surprised that he actually cracks the lineup in 3-4 years when he grows in his frame.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

Watching his fights, he doesn’t seem to have the power that his big brother has, but still has heavy hands and can switch up really nicely. Might have a better chin than big bro as well, as he’s not afraid to take one to give one. I have a good feeling about this pick, I think he will surprise some guys and be a fourth line staple in the future.

 

[jrom]

In a media interview last year Arber said he spent a summer eating / training non-stop because he realized he needed to gain significant mass / strength to make it to the NHL.

Hopefully his kid brother has the same drive. Even if he’s only the deputy sheriff in the AHL that will help the org.

 

[Steve Shutt]

Montreal's scout Matt Turek is the Hamilton's Bulldogs Interim General Manager and sees a whole lot of Florian Xhekaj. He also was responsible for us inviting Arber to a try-out. I'm trusting his judgement on Florian and that he was worth drafting at 101.

Also he comes from a family of 6

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

I bet they get 1 pre-season game together.

Would be a feel good moment at the least for his career.

 

[jrom]

4 mn interview with Florian (as a Hamilton Bulldog). Grew up wrestling with his brother, said he needs to fill out

 

[CanadienShark]

Super Smash Bros. The nickname basically writes itself. Hopefully Nintendo doesn't sue me.

 

[FLHabs]

The Xhekaj bros patrolling the ice for 10+ years during a Habs dynasty sounds like a prophecy I can rock with hehe

 

[Beendair Donedat]

Hopefully they’ll be as good as Mario and Serge Roberge were. Mario was one of the all time best technical fighters I’ve ever seen, right up there with Langdon and Hunter, very intelligent fighter. Serge was even better and more of a loose cannon. I remember one time during an AHL game I think was between Fredericton and PEI, he (Serge) crosschecked Darcy Simon and broke his stick over his face. Hockey was a lot more violent back then.

 

[MXD]

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

Xhekaj - Kapanen - Tuch would be a solid 4th line in the future if they pan out

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

Bash brothers

 

[Skip Bayless]

Amazing.

Amazing job by our scouts.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Amazing.

Amazing job by our scouts.

Did Florian grow 2”‘s!?

 

[JC Superstar]

Did Florian grow 2”‘s!?

That's Hutson, Florian got 3".

 

[Riggins]

Amazing.

Amazing job by our scouts.

We must have a full-time delayed bone growth scout on staff

 

[Skip Bayless]

We must have a full-time delayed bone growth scout on staff

I don't know how is that not a thing in the moment we speak.

Imagine passing on some guy because he's 5'7...two years later he's a 6'4 monster.

Unacceptable.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Looks like Bobrov brought the Russian Olympic team doctor to the Habs after he was hired. It’s paying off!