Florian Xhekaj really wants to play with Laval Rocket after the first training session

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Given their age differences, not to mention where they are in their respective careers, it is premature to determine which member of the Xhekaj family is the better hockey player.

But 19-year-old forward Florian Xhekaj doesn't hide the fact that he hopes to eventually play for the Canadiens alongside his older brother Arber, a 23-year-old defenseman.

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“It was a dream and hopefully we can do it one day,” Xhekaj said Wednesday during a video conference in Cleveland after his first practice with the Laval Rocket.

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The Brantford Bulldogs forward signed a three-year deal with the Canadiens on Tuesday – the same day the organization announced his brother would undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The forward also signed a professional tryout offer that allowed him to join the Rocket for the remainder of the AHL season.

Laval, fighting for the North Division's fifth and final playoff spot, has four regular-season games left, starting with two games against the Monsters on Thursday and Saturday. During his first practice, Xhekaj was the additional 13th forward, a strong indication that he may be given more time to adjust to the move from the Ontario Hockey League.

Although he is primarily a left winger, the Bulldogs also used him at center this season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound player was a force on offense, scoring 34 goals and 65 points in 63 games and adding five points in six playoff games before Brantford's loss to Ottawa. Xhekaj had 81 penalty minutes on the season, was a plus-17, scored five power play goals and one shorthanded.

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He went undrafted in his junior season and is considered a late bloomer. Xhekaj scored 13 goals and 25 points in 68 games last season while racking up 76 penalty minutes. At minus-17, he has obviously improved his 200-foot game this season. The Hamilton native was selected in the fourth round (101st overall) by the Canadiens last June.

“He looked good,” Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle said after practice. “For me, for a tall 6-foot-3 player, it was good that he handled the puck well and made some tough passes. Is he ready for this level? I'm not sure. We only had one practice. With four games to go it's a tricky situation. Maybe watching a game from the stands can be helpful. Maybe jump right in and play right away.

“We'll make a decision (Thursday), but he didn't seem out of place. He can skate well. He's a big boy. We’ll see how he gets used to his teammates.”

Xhekaj is physically imposing and is considered a dominant power forward who could finally give the Canadiens the big center they have long wanted. He could also return to the OHL next season as an overage player if the organization believes he is not yet prepared for the professional game.

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“When they call my name and tell me I’m in the lineup, I’ll be ready,” he said. “I will do everything I can to help the team get to a playoff spot. I think I can add a physical game. I also have a good (hockey) IQ and can play at the net and score. It's a question of space and whether they want me to stay here (next season). We will see.

“I’m taking it step by step,” Xhekaj added. “I'm happy to be here. I'm excited. I just think it's a great opportunity.”

Xhekaj said his game blossomed this season under the guidance of Brantford head coach Jay McKee, a former NHL defenseman with Pittsburgh, Buffalo and St. Louis.

“It makes me go out there and play with more confidence,” Xhekaj said. “I have power play time and a lot more touches out there. Confidence has been key this year.”

Meanwhile, Brandon Gignac, the Rockets' leading scorer, is suffering from a lower-body injury and did not practice on Wednesday and will not play on Thursday, the team announced.

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