Florian Xhekaj has potential to add some needed size and toughness to Canadiens

As an assistant coach with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, Martin Laperrière has worked closely with forward Florian Xhekaj over the last two seasons.

Laperrière is convinced Xhekaj will play in the NHL one day — he’s just not sure if it will be this season with the Canadiens.

“Since the beginning, I think he understands exactly why he’s here and, obviously, that physicality part — being a nuisance to the other teams,” Laperrière said about the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Xhekaj, who was selected by the Canadiens in the fourth round (101st overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, when the Laval coaching staff met with the media Thursday at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard ahead of the Canadiens’ rookie camp. “What he does well is that he can play at wing, he can play centre, he can win big faceoffs. He played some power play last year and he’s not afraid to go in front of the net.”