Florian Xhekaj is a netfront nightmare

The Xhekaj era in Montreal began with Arber and there are high hopes, for the younger Xhekaj, Florian to do the same.

He might not make it this season, but the way he has played at Habs training camp is encouraging for the future. You can tell that he worked on getting stronger, but he also looks faster on his skates, and his puck skills have stood out also. In front of the net, he is massive, but he is positionally sound and knows how to get his stick loose to deflect pucks.

Obviously he will be endeared for his heavy hitting and strong play in the corners and along the boards, that is a Xhekaj trait. But he has some untapped offensive potential that could form into something positive going forward. First stop will be his rookie season with the Rocket, but I have a feeling that he could be in Montreal sooner than later.

Different route than Arber, but same goal

Florian is likely to play his first professional season with the Rocket, which is a bit different than Arber's path. But I think that this will be a great way for him to develop his offensive game and assert himself as a guy who can hang with the AHL's tough guys. Arber made the team out of training camp, but the offence is a bit more established than the defence was, so it will be a stiffer competition.

But make no mistake, Xhekaj is going to go as far as his work ethic takes him, which is a primary reason why the Habs drafted him. He busts his butt for every inch of ice, and he plays the game whichever way that he can to throw off and challenge the opposition. This is a tough way to make it, but this ensures that if he makes it, he knows that he can lose his spot just as easily.

Toughness and tenacity are two staples to the Xhekaj's style and they are the biggest factor to why they are both likely to have long professional hockey career's. The goal is set and the only obstacle is their own minds, which are loaded with confidence.