2024-07-15 23:46:14
When the Canadiens selected Florian Xhekaj with the 101st pick in the 2023 draft, members of the organization did not expect him to be a goal scorer.
After all, he had only scored 13 goals in 68 OHL games before being drafted.
However, the tide turned in his favor during his final campaign with the Brantford Bulldogs. He finished the season with 34 goals and 31 assists in 63 games. Enough to make Canadian supporters salivate.
Let’s agree right away: Florian Xhekaj probably won’t be the best player in the NHL. Except this newfound ability to score goals adds to the many assets he already had when the Canadiens selected him.
Canadiens director of player development Rob Ramage revealed to Stu Cowan of the Montreal magazine that he was surprised by the goal-scoring ability that Xhekaj showed in 2023-24.
My column on Canadiens starting prospect Florian Xhekaj, who is starting to look like the «unicorn» Nick Bobrov – the #Habs co-director of amateur scouting – he believed he could be there before he was drafted. #HabsIO:
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 15, 2024
That wasn’t the only thing that surprised Ramage and his team.
When his group went to watch Xhekaj play in the OHL last season, Ramage was surprised to see how good his instincts were on the ice, while still being very responsive. Initially, Montreal selected him mainly for his physical contribution at 6 feet 4 inches.
Ramage added that he believes Xhekaj still has a lot of potential and will develop over the next few years.
For Xhekaj, scoring so many goals this season is no surprise. He already knew he had the talent and a good shot to be able to score. According to him, being paired with good players and having more opportunities allowed him to score his 34 goals.
The youngest Xhekaj wants to play next season with the Laval Rocket and he thinks he is done with junior hockey. He will have a chance to prove himself during the Canadiens’ next training camp.
He certainly hopes to make an impact like his brother did before him.
In any case, he has already been impressive during recent development camp. If he continues with this momentum, he could easily secure a position with the Laval Rocket for next season.
A lot
– The Kings solve a big case!
Byfield signs a $6.25 million per year, UFA contract for him at age 26 (just before his 27th birthday). It also highlights the value the Canadiens got later in the deal in getting eight years on Slaf’s extension.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 15, 2024
– Unsolved.
The Quebecer has not changed his mind 👇
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) July 15, 2024
– Surprised.
He was selected in the second round of the MLB draft yesterday 👇
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) July 15, 2024
– Another Quebecer drafted into the MLB.
Louis-Philippe Langevin makes history @Royals
— Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) July 15, 2024
– No surprise.
The United States won with difficulty 98-92 against Australia
— RDS (@RDSca) July 15, 2024
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