Florian Xhekaj shows his fearlessness

Few things are as known to the Montreal Canadiens as the violence that the Xhekaj family brings to the ice.

Arber Xhekaj was the first of the brothers to hit with force to hurt the opposition and assert himself with fisticuffs. Florian Xhekaj, who has some offensive touch, prefers to throw his body around and create havoc with his physicality. During game two of the Habs prospect showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs, before a faceoff on the penalty kill in the defensive zone, Xhekaj circled the Leafs power play group.

There was never a question of whether he could defend himself and his teammates or not, but he has certainly shown that he won't be pushed around. What's more, is that he remains intent on doing whatever he can to get the upper advantage on his opponents. He is a menace, and I foresee taking a route similar to Arber, in that he will have to learn to pick his battles while he matures in his professional role.

Laval Rocket prospects in good hands, with Deputy Xhekaj

I expect that it won't take long for Xhekaj to get in the good graces of his teammates. With guys like David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom and Logan Mailloux, to name a few, Xhekaj will have plenty of guys to stand up for. This will be like killing two birds with one stone, Xhekaj plays his best when the game gets physical and creating tussles in defence of his teammates will be natural for him.

With a lineup of smaller forwards and some skilled defenders, keeping the opposition in line will be important. I would say that fighting isn't as important in hockey now as it once was. Having said that, however, it still serves a purpose in the American Hockey League, where the game is a little more physical and chippy than the National Hockey League.

Still, I think that he will be better for it when he learns to pick his battles better. But, for avid Rocket followers, expect to see plenty of Xhekaj highlights, whether it be hardnosed goals or spirited tilts.