Change is never easy in the world of professional hockey, especially when it comes to the storied Montreal Canadiens. With every shift on the ice and every decision behind the bench, the pressure to perform—and to adapt—never lets up. This season, as the team battles through early ups and downs, a new debate is quietly gaining momentum among fans, analysts, and insiders alike. The focus? Two players at very different stages of their careers, each representing a distinct path forward for the Habs.

The Bell Centre has always been a stage for drama, and recently, it witnessed a moment that could have far-reaching consequences for the Canadiens’ lineup. Florian Xhekaj, a young forward with a growing reputation, celebrated a key goal alongside his teammates—including his brother, defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The scene was electric, a reminder of the energy that fresh faces can bring to a franchise hungry for success. But as the cheers faded, another name began to circulate in the media and locker room: Joe Veleno.

Veleno, once a highly-touted prospect, has found himself under the microscope as the season progresses. While he’s not a liability on the ice, critics argue that he’s not making the impact expected of a player in his prime. With zero points in a dozen games and a worrying minus-eight rating, questions about his role and future with the team are growing louder. Is he simply going through a rough patch, or is something more fundamental holding him back?

Into this atmosphere of uncertainty steps Charles-Alexis Brisebois, a respected journalist from DansLesCoulisse, who has proposed a bold solution that’s quickly capturing the imagination—and curiosity—of Canadiens fans. His idea is deceptively simple but potentially game-changing: swap Veleno out of the lineup and give Florian Xhekaj a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. The rationale? Not only could this move inject much-needed energy into a stagnant fourth line, but it might also light a fire under Veleno, forcing him to respond to internal competition.

Brisebois’s proposal raises intriguing questions about team chemistry, player development, and the risks and rewards of making in-season changes. What’s the real downside to giving Xhekaj a shot, even if just for a single game? Could his physical style and youthful enthusiasm be exactly what the Canadiens need to shake things up? And how might this decision affect the dynamic between the Xhekaj brothers, both on and off the ice?

As the debate intensifies, management faces a delicate balancing act. Kent Hughes, the team’s general manager, is known for his strategic approach, including maintaining salary flexibility and roster depth. But with fan frustration mounting and the fourth line struggling to find its identity, the pressure to act is building.

So, what should the Canadiens do? Is it time to take a chance on youth, or stick with experience and hope for a turnaround? The answer isn’t clear-cut, and the stakes are higher than they might seem. One thing is certain: the next move could set the tone for the rest of the season—and perhaps shape the future of the franchise itself.

Sep 23, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj (63) celebrates with teammates including his brother, defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Joe Veleno’s name is starting to spark more and more discussion with the Montreal Canadiens, and not necessarily for the right reasons.

He’s not harmful or completely useless, but he’s not bringing much to the team, and it’s starting to bother some people.

That’s partly why the excellent Charles-Alexis Brisebois, from DansLesCoulisse, has put forward a proposal involving Joe Veleno, but also young forward Florian Xhekaj.

His proposal is very simple: replace Veleno with the young Xhekaj.

Florian Xhekaj to replace Joe Veleno with the Montreal Canadiens?

That’s what he’s suggesting, indeed.

Veleno is struggling massively offensively, he’s not excellent defensively (his differential proves it), and his success rate in the faceoff circle isn’t very good. He has 0 points in 12 games with a -8 plus minus.

Here’s an excerpt from his text:

“I understand that Kent Hughes wants to keep some salary flexibility by not having an extra player on the main roster.

But bringing up Florian Xhekaj to take Veleno out of the lineup, even for a single game, would help put pressure on the Quebecer.

Because right now, Veleno is a passenger.

And if a potential call-up of the Unicorn could create some internal pressure, energize a fourth line that’s been stuck in neutral with some good old physical play, and motivate Arber in the process?”

And as he mentions, what would the Montreal Canadiens really be risking by making this change?

And you, what’s your opinion on this proposal?

Joe Veleno, 25 years old, is a 6-foot-1, 201-pound forward, a first-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2018.

Florian Xhekaj, 21 years old, is a 6-foot-4, 204-pound forward, a fourth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2023.