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.
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.
Note to readers:This is a corrected story. The Canadiens mistakenly announced Joshua Roy’s assignment to the AHL. They later clarified that he remains in the NHL.