Every so often, a debut in the NHL manages to electrify a crowd and send ripples through the hockey world. Florian Xhekaj’s first game with the Montreal Canadiens was exactly that kind of moment—a night at the Bell Centre that felt charged with possibility, emotion, and the unmistakable energy of something new. From the opening faceoff, there was a sense that this wasn’t just another rookie getting his first taste of big-league action. Xhekaj’s presence was magnetic, and each shift seemed to inject the Canadiens with a fresh dose of intensity.

The stakes were already high, with Montreal locked in a heated battle against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but Xhekaj’s arrival added a layer of unpredictability that fans could feel in the air. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact. In a flash, he notched his first NHL point—an assist on a crucial goal that set the tone for the night. The crowd roared, and for a brief moment, it seemed like the young forward was destined for a storybook debut.

But the real drama was only just beginning.

As the game wore on, Xhekaj found himself at the center of an even more significant moment—one that would define not just his first night, but possibly the narrative of his career moving forward. With the eyes of the hockey world watching, he dropped the gloves for his first NHL fight. The result was nothing short of explosive. The encounter was raw, intense, and left both the crowd and commentators buzzing. For many, it was the kind of debut that legends are made of.

Yet, beneath the surface of celebration and excitement, a deeper conversation was brewing—one that would challenge the narrative and raise important questions about the future. Enter Georges Laraque, the former Canadiens enforcer and one of the most respected voices when it comes to the art and science of hockey fighting. Laraque’s analysis, delivered on BPM Sports, was direct and uncompromising. He praised Xhekaj’s courage and intensity, but he also sounded a note of caution that few could ignore.

Was Xhekaj’s approach in the fight a sign of things to come, or a warning of potential pitfalls? Could his raw energy and willingness to engage be both his greatest asset and his biggest risk? Laraque’s words hinted at a reality that every young enforcer must face: in the NHL, courage alone isn’t enough. Technique, strategy, and self-preservation are just as vital—and sometimes, the line between triumph and trouble is razor-thin.

For Xhekaj, the night was unforgettable. For his family, it marked the beginning of a journey filled with hope and pride. But for those watching closely, it was also the start of a much larger story—one that will unfold in the weeks and months ahead, as the rookie seeks to carve out his place in a league that rewards both heart and smarts.

What did Laraque really see in that fight? What does it mean for Xhekaj’s future, and for the Canadiens’ plans? The answers are more complex than they seem—and the full story is just beginning to emerge.

Photo of Florian Xhekaj, and Georges Laraque

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The first game of Florian Xhekaj with the Montreal Canadiens brought a lot of emotion and even several important questions for what comes next.

One thing is certain: in his first NHL game, Florian Xhekaj showed an energy that immediately woke up the entire Bell Centre.

Every shift seemed to give the game a small jolt. Yes, of course the Montreal Canadiens were already dominating the Toronto Maple Leafs, but I really think the intensity of young Xhekaj added something special.

He didn’t wait long before getting noticed. He earned his first NHL point on Josh Anderson’s goal.

Then an even more significant event happened: Florian Xhekaj dropped the gloves for his first NHL fight.

And even if he won the fight in a violent manner, Georges Laraque’s comments brought another perspective to that moment.

Georges Laraque Analyzes Florian Xhekaj’s Fight

On BPM Sports, Laraque did not mince his words.

He explained:

“Yes, he got the upper hand in that fight. We saw the blood on his helmet, you can see clearly, he clipped him. The problem with this is that when you fight, you have to protect yourself better, the grip isn’t good, and his face is wide open, it’s a buffet and he took too many punches.”

– Georges Laraque

Then he added:

“Sometimes, Gonzo, when you’re taking punches like that, it only takes one and you’re knocked out. If he wants a long career and if he wants to take on guys bigger than that, you can’t fight like that.”

– Laraque

You can see the clip here.

According to Laraque, the intensity and courage are there, but the technique still needs to follow if he wants to last in that kind of role. I think he’s right. And to be honest, there are not many people better positioned than him to talk about this subject.

And I truly believe that Florian Xhekaj will learn quickly. For his family, this evening will remain huge. And for him, it may look like the real beginning of a special story.