Montreal Canadiens' Florian Xhekaj skates before during first period NHL hockey Prospect Showdown action against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

By The Canadian Press

Montreal Canadiens recall Florian Xhekaj, Arber’s brother, from AHL Laval

Nov 21, 2025 | 3:34 PM

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens recalled forward Florian Xhekaj, the younger brother of bruising defenceman Arber Xhekaj, from the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket on Friday.

Florian Xhekaj, a six-foot-four, 204-pound winger, has two goals and two assists in 16 AHL games this season.

The 21-year-old from Hamilton impressed with 24 goals and 11 assists in 69 games for the Rocket in 2024-25.

Xhekaj could make his NHL debut Saturday at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs as the slumping Canadiens (10-7-3) look to snap a five-game skid.

Centre Jake Evans exited Thursday’s 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals following a hard hit from winger Tom Wilson.

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Montreal is also dealing with long-term injuries to forwards Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2025.

The Canadian Press