Tonight marks a moment that could redefine not only a young player’s career, but also the emotional landscape of an entire hockey family. As the Montreal Canadiens prepare to face off against their storied rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, all eyes are drawn to an extraordinary storyline unfolding on the ice: Florian Xhekaj is set to make his NHL debut, skating alongside his brother Arber in the Canadiens’ lineup. For the Xhekaj family, this is more than just another game—it’s a night that promises to be unforgettable, one that will be etched into their memories for years to come.

But as the anticipation builds and the spotlight intensifies, questions swirl around what this debut truly means—not just for Florian, but for the Canadiens as a whole. Head coach Martin St-Louis, ever the strategist, addressed the media with a clear but intriguing message for his newest rookie. He wants Florian to play his game, to bring his trademark physicality and energy, but he also issued a caution: walk the line, but don’t cross it. The balance between aggression and discipline will be crucial, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. St-Louis’s words hint at both trust and challenge, leaving fans wondering how the young forward will respond under the bright lights of a Saturday night showdown in Montreal.

The lineup itself is a puzzle, with Florian slotted onto the third line alongside Josh Anderson and Jake Evans—both veterans who have weathered their own storms and now find themselves tasked with guiding a rookie through his first NHL minutes. Evans, in particular, returns after a frightening hit, adding another layer of drama to an already tense atmosphere. The projected lines reveal a mix of youth and experience, with the top unit featuring Caufield, Suzuki, and Bolduc, and the second line showcasing Slafkovsky, Kapanen, and Demidov. Each combination raises its own set of expectations and uncertainties, but it’s the third line—where the Xhekaj brothers’ paths converge—that captures the imagination.

What will Florian’s debut look like? Will he seize the opportunity and carve out a permanent spot on the roster, or is this a brief glimpse before a return to the minors? The answer is far from clear, and that uncertainty is exactly what makes tonight’s game so compelling. The Canadiens are in the midst of a season defined by injuries, unexpected call-ups, and constant adaptation. Every shift, every decision, and every penalty carries added weight. Florian’s physical style is both a weapon and a risk, and how he manages that fine line could determine not only his future, but the immediate fortunes of the team.

As the puck drops, the Xhekaj brothers will skate together in an NHL game for the first time—a dream realized, but one that comes with immense pressure and possibility. Will Florian rise to the challenge and become a fixture in Montreal, or is this simply a fleeting moment in a turbulent season? The answer, for now, remains hidden beneath the surface. Tonight’s game may offer clues, but only time will reveal whether this story is just beginning or already nearing its end. For fans, for the family, and for the Canadiens, the suspense is almost too much to bear.

Arber and Florian Xhekaj

Photo credit: NHL/Canadiens

It is now confirmed that Florian Xhekaj is set to play his first NHL game with the Montreal Canadiens tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It will certainly be a special evening for the Xhekaj family, as Florian and Arber will both be in the Habs’ lineup.

In a press conference over the last few minutes, the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, was asked about the younger of the Xhekaj brothers.

Martin St-Louis sends his message to Florian Xhekaj

See an excerpt of what he had to say on the subject.

“I want him to play his game, within our game!

I know he’s a player who often walks the line, and these are not the types of players you want to stop from walking that line.

But he has to control it, for example.

So, I want him close to the line, he needs to bring his physicality, his energy and all that, while trying not to cost the team.

I don’t want to take that away from him, and you know, he will get that experience on a Saturday night against Toronto.”

– Martin St-Louis

To listen, right here:

The warning is very simple and very clear.

Florian can walk the line, he will have to be physical, but he must also not hurt the team, notably by taking a bad penalty at the wrong moment.

The young player now knows exactly what is expected of him. It promises to be quite the game tonight, we really can’t wait to see it.

Arber’s brother Florian will play on the Habs’ third line, alongside Josh Anderson and Jake Evans who fortunately escaped the worst after the high hit by Tom Wilson.

Canadiens projected lineup:

Caufield-Suzuki-Bolduc
Slaf-Kapanen-Demidov
Florian Xhekaj-Evans-Anderson
Davidson-Veleno-Gallagher

Matheson-Dobson
Struble-Hutson
ArberXhekaj-Carrier

Dobes

Do you believe that Florian Xhekaj will stay more than two weeks with the Montreal Canadiens?