The NHL is a league built on speed, skill, and the kind of drama that can unfold in a split second—on the ice or off it. But every now and then, a rookie steps into the spotlight and captures the attention of fans, analysts, and even the sport’s most hardened veterans. This weekend, Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj became exactly that kind of player. His performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs was more than just a debut—it was a statement. The kind of statement that doesn’t just show up on the scoresheet, but echoes in locker rooms, headlines, and whispers among those who know what it takes to survive in the world’s toughest hockey league.

But as with every first act, there’s always a second. And for Xhekaj, the next chapter promises to be even more intense, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous. The buzz in Montreal isn’t just about his point on the board or the gloves he dropped—it’s about what comes next. Because when a young player shows he’s willing to stand up, throw down, and dominate, the league doesn’t just notice. It responds. Sometimes with admiration, sometimes with a challenge, and sometimes with a warning from someone who’s been through the wars.

Enter Georges Laraque. For those who know hockey’s unwritten rules, Laraque isn’t just a former enforcer—he’s a legend of intimidation, a guardian of grit, and now, a voice of caution. As the host of BPM Sports, Laraque has seen every kind of fight, every kind of mistake, and every kind of triumph. But when he speaks about Xhekaj, there’s a tension in his words—a sense that the rookie’s journey is about to enter uncharted territory. Laraque’s advice isn’t just technical; it’s a lifeline, a warning, and maybe, a prophecy.

Why is Laraque so concerned? What did he see in Xhekaj’s first fight that made him pause? And who is the opponent looming on the horizon that has even the toughest men in hockey talking? The answer lies not just in the stats or the highlight reels, but in the subtleties of battle—the grip, the stance, the split-second choices that separate a long career from a short one. Laraque’s analysis is more than critique; it’s a glimpse into the future, a message that the stakes are about to get higher, the opponents more dangerous, and the margin for error razor thin.

As the Canadiens prepare to face the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City, the anticipation is electric. The Delta Centre will be packed, the lights will be bright, and every eye will be on Xhekaj. Will he rise to the occasion? Will he heed the warning of a seasoned enforcer, or will the lessons come the hard way? The answer is out there, waiting in the cold air of Utah, in the roar of the crowd, and in the silent moments before the puck drops.

What happened in that first fight? What secrets did Laraque reveal? And what does Xhekaj need to do to ensure his story doesn’t take a turn that no one expects? All will be revealed, but not just yet. This is a story you’ll want to read to the very end—because sometimes, the most important battles are the ones you never see coming.

Nov 22, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj (63) skates a rookie lap during the warmup before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Young Montreal Canadiens forward, Florian Xhekaj, had a noteworthy first weekend, particularly against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He picked up a point, he dropped the gloves, he dominated his opponent, and he put on a very good show.

That said, former tough guy and current BPM Sports host Georges Laraque has just issued him a warning.

Georges Laraque gives advice and a warning to Florian Xhekaj

Knowing that Xhekaj is about to face Liam O’Brien of the Utah Mammoth, who is a real, true tough guy, well, the youngster needs to learn to protect himself better (at least according to Laraque).

Things could get very heated against the Mammoth, too!

Anyway, here is an excerpt of what Laraque said on the matter:

“He won the fight and got the upper hand, but the problem is that when you fight, you need to protect yourself better.

The grip isn’t good, and his face is open.

It’s a buffet!

He took too many punches and sometimes, when you take punches like that, it only takes one good one to hit you clean.

I understand that when people watch it, they think it was really awesome, but I’m looking more at the long term.

If he wants a long career and if he’s going to take on guys bigger than that-which will happen sometimes to show he’s not afraid-you can’t fight like that and take punches like that to the temple or the side of the head like that.”

– Georges Laraque

The message has been sent!

Puck drops at 9:30 p.m. live from the Delta Centre in Salt Lake City.