What does the Canadian see with this player with ordinary stats in junior?

Why is Florian^e in total) in Nashville on June 29?

“Xhekaj [Florian] is the unicorn. Personally, I would like to leave the draft with this player,” said co-director of amateur recruitment Nick Bobrov as seen in the behind-the-scenes video of the 2023 draft shared by the CH a few months ago.

What did Bobrov and the Canadian see? The best candidate that we could have found to decipher the words of Bobrov, an enigmatic Russian with a studious air, is the former CH recruiter now general manager of Xhekaj with the Brantford Bulldogs (formerly Hamilton), Matt Turek.

“I sat in this room with Nick. The thing to understand is that these guys are trying to project. I believe that Florian is only touching the limits of his potential. What Nick meant is that you don’t find many players like him,” Turek explains over the phone.

“I saw this video not so long ago,” Florian said in an interview with TVASports.ca. Everyone thinks it’s pretty cool. It’s special to be called a unicorn and to have this different style of play. It’s unique. I can play on any trio and that’s something quite rare these days.”

Ordinary statistics

But why decipher Bobrov’s words? First, because they set the web on fire. Xhekaj, a unicorn? His selection was greeted with a touch of skepticism. His 25 points in 68 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs were nothing short of impressive for a player who was draft eligible a year earlier.

Turek can thus help us see things more clearly. This man worked as a recruiter in Ontario for the Canadiens from 2017 to 2022, before becoming GM of the Bulldogs in the Ontario League. Turek therefore knows Bobrov well. He rubbed shoulders with him during meetings and worked with him on the 2022 draft.

A small player who became a colossus

And Turek knows the Xhekaj even better. Since he holds a summer development camp every year in Hamilton, the family’s hometown, he has known Florian since the latter was 11 years old. He also played a key role in the Canadiens’ hiring of Arber in 2021, as documented The Athletic.

“I still remember young Florian at 11 or 12 years old,” says Turek. At that point, he was a small player with individual skills. He was one of the smallest players on the ice. That’s what helps him today, because he’s practically 6-foot-4. He is starting to combine all the assets at his disposal: the size, the level of competition, the rough side, the intelligence and the talent.

“Arber didn’t grow up until he was 16 or 17. Same thing for Florian. They were good players when they were younger, but only 300 boys get drafted by OHL teams, so they were passed over. Development happens at different times for everyone.”

Out of his shell

Florian is gradually getting to grips with his new body and the new possibilities available to him. Offensively, he came out of his shell this season with 33 points, including 14 goals, in 39 games.

“When we inserted him at center, he scored seven goals in seven games,” recalls Turek. A player of this stature who possesses such passing instincts and skills [c’est rare]. I know he has a lot more skills than we see at the moment. He still has a lot more in the tank. He will get stronger and faster. It’s something that the Canadian saw in him. He will improve. His progress curve is encouraging.”

Florian should actually be heavier in a few years, enough to make the Habs development staff salivate.

“Right now, I weigh 195 pounds, but the ultimate goal is to play professionally at 215 pounds,” explains the young man. I’m currently trying to gain mass without losing speed. Weight gain is more complicated in high season, but I will focus on it during the summer.

Single profile

It appears that Bobrov banked on two things in opting for Florian in the fourth round: the Xhekaj’s late-growth genes and the individual’s unique profile.

“I think Nick has a good perspective on different players,” Turek notes of his former colleague. When he talks about unicorn, I think he means: “Where can you find a talented, tough 6-foot-4 forward with a good hockey IQ?” “He’s almost the kind of player we should create to have.”

Although Bobrov is at the forefront of every CH selection, much of the credit goes to recruiter Joey Tenute, who watched Florian closely last year.

No longer a secret, the Xhekaj

The Canadian, however, was not the only team to observe him.

“If it hadn’t been Montreal, it would have been a different team,” confirms Turek. Someone else would have drafted him. There were no more secrets about Xhekaj in this league. It’s a very good choice from the Canadian,” adds Turek.

The latter does not believe that Florian was drafted by the CH simply because he is the other’s brother. However, it is difficult to talk about Florian without talking about Arber because the two are so similar.

As proof, we were treated to a long hesitation when we asked Florian what was the biggest difference between his brother and him.

“I don’t really know what sets us apart, other than position. I am recognized as a good playmaker. Maybe that? Florian says.

“They are both very competitive boys who are not afraid of anything,” Turek said. They both have skills and a sense of the game. They both developed late, more around 18 and 19 years old. And they both embody the ultimate teammate.”

Tightly woven clan

The reflex to defend your teammate is innate to the Xhekaj. It’s the influence of parents.

“Mom and Dad are very competitive, and this family is tight-knit,” reveals Turek. It’s a very proud family. I think when the Xhekajs put on their uniform, they feel that same sense of pride in their teammates.

“Arber was an unheralded player and he proved that if the door is closed, he will break it down to make his way through. Florian is the same. He will have the same mentality when he arrives at the professionals. I think he’ll find a way,” Turek predicted.