Canadiens’ Florian Xhekaj set for NHL debut vs. Maple Leafs; Jake Evans avoids injury
Xhekaj said he immediately called his mother, Simona, who flew to Montreal on Saturday morning with their father, Jack, and their sisters.
Arber, meanwhile, sent him a text message with the words “let’s go!”
The six-foot-four, 204-pound Florian Xhekaj, much like his brother, adds grit to the Canadiens’ lineup.
The 21-year-old from Hamilton impressed with 24 goals and 11 assists in 69 games for the Rocket in 2024-25. This season, he has two goals, two assists and 44 penalty minutes in 16 AHL games.
Xhekaj skated on a line with Josh Anderson and Jake Evans during the team’s morning skate, while Joshua Roy practised as an extra.
Evans, who has a history of concussions, returned after exiting Thursday’s 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals following a hard hit from Tom Wilson and missing Friday’s practice. He said his absence was precautionary.
“Any time it’s with your head, you just want to make sure it’s nothing more severe,” Evans said. “I don’t want to put anything at risk. So I feel great, doctors and the medical staff here have helped me out a lot and made sure I feel good, and I’m ready to go.”
Wilson skated from near the blue line to hit Evans in the corner and caught the Canadiens centre high with his elbow.
“Pretty high,” Evans said of the hit. “My mouth was bleeding afterwards, so I think that’s pretty self-explanatory.”
The slumping Canadiens will try to snap a five-game losing skid. Montreal goalies Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes have a league-low .838 combined save percentage since Nov. 1.
Dobes, who began the season as a backup, will start on Saturday. The Maple Leafs, who’ve lost six of their last seven, counter with Joseph Woll, who’s set for his fourth straight appearance with Anthony Stolarz (upper body) still injured.
Toronto captain Auston Matthews and winger Matthew Knies, both nursing lower-body injuries, remain out. Both players took part in the Leafs’ optional morning skate.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2025.
Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press
