Arber Xhekaj praises Florian's toughness
The Xhekaj name is synonymous with toughness and Arber knows that Florian can handle himself. He grew up the younger brother of Arber and had to fight him regularly.
Arber Xhekaj brought a high level of toughness and physicality to the Montreal Canadiens lineup when he joined the team two seasons ago.
Hopes are high that Florian will be able to come into the professional hockey ranks and shake things up like Arber. If anybody knows the character and strength of Florian, it's his older brother Arber who toughened him up throughout their childhood. Arber said on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast that Florian is a beast too, so I think that is a good enough reason to tune into the Laval Rocket broadcasts this season.
Xhekaj, Arber that is, surprised many with his toughness right out of the gate, throwing his mitts against any willing combatant. Not many come into the league and fight everybody with a good record. Matt Rempe did it this season, and we all saw how that put him right on the radar across the NHL.
“I’m over in Hamilton. Me and my brother we train in Burlington together. He’s a beast too man, he’s gonna surprise a lot of people. I mean he had to fight me growing up his whole life so it’ll be interesting to see what he does man.”
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 20, 2024
- Arber Xhekaj on his lil brother Florian pic.twitter.com/eGeTCKcCMP
Arber isn't going to take anything away from his brother or say negative things, but if he says Florian is a beast, then surely we are in for a treat this year going forward.
How long before the Xhekaj bros bash heads in Montreal?
The Canadiens have been busy adding skill and have plenty that are inching closer to the big club. But an important part of building a contender is having character guys who can play the game well, but will also present as an insulation to the smaller and skilled players. Arber has done exactly that and we have seen highlights of what Florian can do.
We have to keep expectations and excitement in check, but Florian is on the right track to becoming a bottom-six piece for Montreal. Whether that is in two seasons or it takes a little longer, it will be interesting to see both Xhekaj's potentially, pulling guys out of scrums. The Bell Centre is sure to erupt if ever both of them drop the mitts at the same time.
I would say, that if this season goes well for Florian in Laval, he might not be so far away from Montreal. Physically he will be able to handle himself, without any questions, and he won't be expected to fill the net. Of course, you don't want to rush him along, but I think that his growth has been significant and he could surprise at training camp in 2025-26.
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