The post-draft period is over, and we’re coming up on free agents. Come ask me your question of the week with: On the bench with Mitch for @DLCoulisses
Leave your question below and I’ll answer it on Sunday#GoHabsGo #Hockey #NHL #nhlfreeagency pic.twitter.com/F50PSme2Nb
– Mitch Giguere (@Mitch_Giguere) June 30, 2023
![Arber Xhekaj’s mother overjoyed to see Florian with the Canadian](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/06/Xhekaj.jpg)
As you know, Arber Xhekaj is a crowd favorite. It didn’t take long for the Canadiens’ defenseman to become a household name, thanks to his style of play and his story. #Costco
One of the reasons they did it was so they could have a better life for themselves, but also, I’m sure, for their future children. And Arber jumped at the chance and made it to the NHL.
His story is a beautiful one in Montreal, and yesterday it got even better when his brother Florian became a Flanelle prospect in his own right. We’re sure big brother had something to do with it.
Arber is a proud big brother to see Florian drafted by the Canadiens! https://t.co/Vvkysk5meX pic.twitter.com/ZyA4uRpuMS
– RDS (@RDSca) June 29, 2023
I imagine that even in their wildest dreams, this wasn’t a possibility. I know Florian is still a long way from the NHL, but…
After all, I say that not only because the two of them are together in an organization close to home, but on top of that, we’re talking about the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canadiens are the Xhekaj’s childhood team.
I’m still kind of in disbelief.
When the boys were little and watching NHL , their dad always pretended to announce THE XHEKAJ BROTHERS
Dreams come true.
So much work ahead but … “IF YOU BELIEVE, U ACHIEVE ❤️” pic.twitter.com/92rSA7FLpX– Simona Xhekaj (@SimonaXhekaj) June 30, 2023
Even though they grew up in Ontario, the guys followed their father, who was (and still is) a Flanelle fan. So what’s happening right now is beyond the family’s expectations.
And let’s just say it’s impossible not to understand the importance of the moment when you see this.
This…hand made pillows by our neighbor 18 years ago pic.twitter.com/MuyMEbeGcA
– Simona Xhekaj (@SimonaXhekaj) June 30, 2023
Of course, it’s far too early to say whether Florian will ever make the club. As a fourth-round pick, it’s too early to predict his projection curve, and a lot can happen.
But don’t bet against this family.
In Brief
– Here’s to your questions.
– Who will receive a qualifying offer today?
Happy Qualifying Offer Day!
Habs RFAs:
– Gurianov
– Newhook
– Harvey-Pinard
– Ylönen
– Teasdale
– Beaudin
– Stephens
– CondottaDeadline is 5pm.
– Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) June 30, 2023
– David Reinbacher with Lane Hutson?
Button cont’d: “I look at Lane Hutson, the smaller d-man who is brilliant at Boston Univ., brilliant for Team USA at WJHC and WHC, Lane Hutson needs to play with a player like David Reinbacher to get the best out of him”
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 30, 2023
– Exact.
“The pandemic hit junior-aged players for two years. It wasn’t a bad draft, but it lacked depth.” – @renlavoietva
The full episode hosted by @jp_tvasports is here: https: //t.co/5vkquvOF2H
– La Dose (@LaDose_TVA) June 30, 2023
– I agree.
QMJHL at the bottom of the barrel: no panic for Cecchini https://t.co/qMwEGYV9My pic.twitter.com/MOvdaFov1L
– Le Soleil (@lesoleildeqc) June 29, 2023