(Brossard) A year after being selected in the fourth round by the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL draft, Florian Xhekaj feels more confident – on the ice and even in life in general.
Xhekaj also believes that this new confidence helped him find his offensive touch during the last season in the Ontario League.
After posting 25 points in 68 games in his first OHL campaign, Xhekaj exploded with 65 points, including 34 goals, in 63 games with the Brantford Bulldogs last winter.
“We didn’t think he had this offensive potential when he was drafted,” Canadiens director of player development Rob Ramage acknowledged Thursday. “I’ve followed him quite a bit and he’s very responsible. He has a better feel for the game than we anticipated and he’s still a very rough diamond. It’s exciting.”
Xhekaj, for his part, claims to have always known he had this offensive potential. He just needed a little more time to develop.
“I’ve always had skills and a good shot. There, I had the opportunity to play with good players and I took advantage of it. The puck found the back of the net,” said the 20-year-old Ontarian.
“I was stronger, more comfortable in the OHL and as a person, which helped me too,” he added.
Xhekaj said yes, being drafted by the Canadiens last summer gave him a boost of confidence. He added, however, that he also felt more comfortable in his 6-foot-3 hinge.
Much like his older brother Arber, who dominated the OHL in his final year of junior because of his physical advantage, Florian also found a way to exploit his size this past winter.
I’m used to pushing around guys who are smaller.
Florian Xhekaj
Xhekaj was offered a contract by the Canadiens at the end of the season and was given a three-game stint in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket. He admitted the experience was an eye-opener.
“I was playing against guys who are big and strong and even some who have families and kids,” he said. “And there I was, 19 years old, trying to push them around. It wasn’t easy.”
“So I want to eat well, train and build muscle this summer so I’m ready.”
Any scenario is possible for Xhekaj this fall. He could be demoted to the OHL and play a season at age 20 like Arber did. Since he’s under contract with the Canadiens, it’s possible he continues his development with the Rocket. Or, he could emulate his older brother’s feat in 2022 and cause a surprise in camp by earning a spot with the big club.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Arber Xhekaj
“I’m going to work hard every day in the hope that it happens,” Xhekaj insisted.
Ramage recalled that there was no point in closing doors too quickly.
“We will see. There will be the recruit camp, then the preparatory camp,” he stressed.
It’s up to Xhekaj to try to follow in his brother’s footsteps.