Prospect Info: Florian Xhekaj

[BozoTheClown]

6 goals + 2 assists in the last 10 games riding a hot 23,3 shooting % on the year. Xhekaj is 1 goal away from cracking the top-10 in goals for rookies with his league leading penalty minutes as of today. Performing in all situations, it's hard to not be excited about his potential at this point. Such a great 4th round pick.

Depending on how many bodies get moved at the TDL, he should be in the mix to get his first cup of coffee in the big league. Still 20 years old until june 27th, I saw him a fourth-line center or third-line LW. I'm leaning towards the third line for Florian. He just needs to add some more weight on his lanky frame to be more solid in his fights and on his skates. He's going to be a menace alongisde his brother for many, many years to come.

It’s like something happened to him when he scored 3 goals and added 2 assists on December 15th 2024.
8 goals, 2 assists in his last 20 with 85 penalty minutes. I think it’s safe to say that with a little more discipline he is closer to 20 goals.

With Laval being decimated with injuries, he is showing he can step his play up when given more responsibilities.

 

[WeThreeKings]

20 goals in his rookie AHL year would be beyond fantastic.

He's really showing he has the potential to be a very valuable bottom 6 contributor.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

6 goals + 2 assists in the last 10 games riding a hot 23,3 shooting % on the year. Xhekaj is 1 goal away from cracking the top-10 in goals for rookies with his league leading penalty minutes as of today. Performing in all situations, it's hard to not be excited about his potential at this point. Such a great 4th round pick.

Depending on how many bodies get moved at the TDL, he should be in the mix to get his first cup of coffee in the big league. Still 20 years old until june 27th, I saw him a fourth-line center or third-line LW. I'm leaning towards the third line for Florian. He just needs to add some more weight on his lanky frame to be more solid in his fights and on his skates. He's going to be a menace alongisde his brother for many, many years to come.

I have watched Florian closely since he was drafted and quickly came to the realization that his supposed fighting and physicality prowess was overstated and his hockey skills, particularly his straight forward speed and offensive vision, were greatly understated.

The comparative level of Florian’s developing hockey skills are best understood when knowing that in the OHL, he ran his team’s power play and that in the AHL, as a rookie, he plays on his team’s penalty killing unit. This kid is no mere bottom line thug or enforcer. Florian is no supersized Pezzetta. He’ll make and succeed in the NHL based on his high hockey skills. But I would provide this cautionary note: unless Florian gains more quickness and agility to his skating, he will never be more than a fringe player at the next level.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Do you guys feel he has a really good chance becoming a full time NHLer?

If so, when do you guys figure he will be with Montreal? Next year? Couple years? Etc

 

[Matthew McConaughay]

I'm impressed with him in Laval.