The CH almost recalled Florian Xhekaj for tonight’s game

It’s easy to say.

After two games against the Capitals… the Habs are getting shuffled around.

The Caps’ players are more physical, and that’s why the CH is getting roughed up. But…

But according to JiC, the CH tried to remedy the situation.

How?

By recalling Florian Xhekaj.

There have been intense conversations internally about whether or not Florian Xhekaj should be recalled. – Jean-Charles Lajoie

Let’s not forget that, after the trade deadline, the Habs didn’t use any of their four call-ups.

The CH is therefore entitled to unlimited recalls from Laval in the playoffs:

The CH seriously considered recalling Florian for tonight’s game

Details: https: //t.co/DoUdwH79Ad pic.twitter.com/JXY31IQJPb

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 25, 2025

We know that the other’s brother is a physical player.

And we know that he had a superb first season as a professional in the American League.

But we also know that the Habs had the opportunity to insert Arber Xhekaj into the lineup if they needed to, and didn’t…

That’s why I’m a little surprised by this news .

In Florian Xhekaj, the CH wanted to bring in a player who could disrupt the opposition… But Arber can fill that role if needed too.

Because the oldest of the Xhekaj brothers has proven himself in the NHL, and the other players know him too.

Arber isn’t a celery stalk in the eyes of his opponents, because the guys know how physically dangerous he can be…

All in all, it would have been really special to see Florian play his first NHL game in the playoffs, because he’s got what it takes to be good in those circumstances.

He’s big, he hits… and those kind of players are rare in the Habs line-up.

I wonder if they’ll consider recalling him to the CH if the club gets shaken up again tonight…

Extension

Florian Xhekaj scored 24 times (!) and added eleven assists this season in Laval.

He’s made his name with the Rocket this season, to put it another way. And for a 20-year-old who was drafted in the 4th round, that’s something to celebrate.