The cheers were still echoing through the rafters of the Bell Centre, the ice glistening under the arena lights as fans celebrated a dramatic overtime victory. Montreal had just stolen two points from the Winnipeg Jets, and the city was alive with that rare, electric optimism—a feeling that anything could happen, that the future was right there, skating in front of them. But as the last notes of celebration faded, the evening took an unexpected turn. A quiet announcement, almost lost in the post-game buzz, sent a ripple through the crowd: two of the Canadiens’ most intriguing young prospects, Florian Xhekaj and Adam Engstrom, were packing their bags for Laval.

It was the kind of news that lands with a thud—surprising, maybe even confusing, for fans who had watched both players flash their potential in the NHL spotlight. Xhekaj, a towering forward with a knack for stirring up chaos and scoring clutch goals, and Engstrom, the smooth-skating defenseman whose steady presence belied his age, had just begun to carve out their stories in Montreal. Now, just as their names were becoming familiar, they were heading back to the Rocket, leaving behind a fanbase split between disappointment and anticipation.

The move, however, was anything but a punishment. As the details trickled out, it became clear that this was part of a larger plan—a chess match played out behind closed doors, with development and long-term success at its heart. The Canadiens, under Martin St-Louis, have embraced a philosophy that values growth over instant gratification. For Xhekaj and Engstrom, the shuttle to Laval isn’t a setback; it’s a strategic detour, a chance to play bigger minutes, face tougher competition, and refine the skills that will eventually make them NHL regulars.

Inside the Rocket’s dressing room, the mood is decidedly different. Pascal Vincent, the architect of Laval’s rise to the top of the North Division, welcomes the reinforcements with open arms. His team, already dominant, now gets even stronger—two young guns ready to prove themselves all over again, in front of a Place Bell crowd that lives and breathes every shift. For Xhekaj, whose physical style and scoring touch have made him a fan favorite, it’s a return to familiar territory, a chance to build on last year’s breakout campaign. For Engstrom, the transition from European ice to North American battle is nearly complete, his numbers already turning heads across the league.

As the Rocket prepare for another run at the division crown, the real story is unfolding far from the headlines. It’s about patience, process, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—a journey that demands sacrifice, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. The Canadiens’ decision to send Xhekaj and Engstrom to Laval is a reminder that in hockey, as in life, the path to greatness is rarely a straight line.

So what does this mean for Montreal’s future? Will these young stars seize their chance in Laval and force their way back to the NHL? Or is this just one more twist in a season already full of surprises? The answers are waiting, just beyond the boards, in a place where the next chapter is always one shift away.

Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis

Photo credit: Screenshot

Wednesday night, the Canadiens won, but two young players headed to Laval.

A few minutes after a 3-2 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets, management confirmed that Florian Xhekaj and Adam Engstrom were being assigned to the Laval Rocket. The evening therefore ended with a solid two points in the standings, but also with a personnel move that quickly got the Bell Centre crowd talking.

“The Canadiens have loaned forward Florian Xhekaj and defenseman Adam Engstrom to the Laval Rocket.” – Montreal Canadiens

Among fans, the reaction is split between surprise and excitement. We are, after all, talking about two prospects who have just tasted the NHL and who had a good camp. But as we already saw in October, these shuttles between Montreal and Laval are part of the Canadiens’ development plan, not a disguised punishment.

Xhekaj, 21 years old, arrives with a unique profile for the Rocket. The 6-foot-4, 204-pound winger is coming off a season of 24 goals, 35 points, and 175 penalty minutes in Laval, and he already has four points and 44 penalty minutes in 16 games this year in the AHL.

Engstrom, 22 years old, has also performed well since arriving in North America. The left-shot defenseman, standing 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, tallied 27 points in 66 games last year with the Rocket, before adding 14 points in 18 games this season, along with a +8 rating.

The return of Florian Xhekaj strengthens the Rocket’s depth

The good news for Laval is that Pascal Vincent gets back two important pieces while his club sits atop the North Division with a 15-6-0-0 record and a +18 goal differential.

For both players, this return to the Rocket mostly means quality ice time. In Laval, they can play in all situations, hear their names called often, and continue piling up points in a winning environment, in front of a Place Bell that never disappoints when it comes to atmosphere.

We saw last year how effectively Vincent can get the most out of his young players.

In the end, Montreal keeps two motivated young players in the system, Laval strengthens an already dominant team, and fans will get some extra entertainment at Place Bell.