Florian Xhekaj: A successful adaptation to the AHL! – Scouting Report

Florian Xhekaj has been making a strong impression since his AHL debut. Recently, he became the rookie with the most goals in Laval Rocket history. In addition to providing unexpected offensive production, Xhekaj has been physically dominant in a professional league at just 20 years old. Last year, it was difficult to project such a successful transition to the AHL, as he played a very offensive role in junior. His weaknesses were more apparent at that time, but now, the Rocket is developing him exactly as they should.

What is his potential, his future projection in the NHL, and most importantly, his overall evaluation this season with the Rocket? Here is a full scouting report on Florian Xhekaj’s performance with the Laval Rocket.

Scouting Report: Florian Xhekaj

Florian Xhekaj is a 6’3″, 194-pound forward currently playing his first season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. Born on June 26, 2004, he can be categorized as a depth forward who stands out with his physical commitment, anticipation, and strong work ethic. The Montreal Canadiens drafted him in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

His development has followed a logical progression, and he has adapted remarkably well to his role within the team. His performance has clearly exceeded expectations this season, as head coach Pascal Vincent stated at the start of the year, « We weren’t even sure he would make the team. » In fact, Xhekaj was eligible to play junior hockey but impressed Vincent enough to secure a spot on the team.

Usage and Role

Xhekaj primarily plays in a middle-six role at even strength. He is often paired with teammates such as Jared Davidson, Riley Kidney, Vincent Arseneau, Alex Beaucage, and Xavier Simoneau. Pascal Vincent has used him as a versatile asset, moving him across multiple lines. While he does not receive power-play time, he plays on the second unit of the penalty kill. His impact is mostly felt through his simple and efficient play, as well as his ability to read the game well in both the offensive and defensive zones.

Game Evaluation

Skating & Mobility

Xhekaj has adequate mobility for the AHL. He does not stand out with elite speed but compensates with strong hockey IQ, allowing him to anticipate plays effectively. His skating lacks explosiveness, which could be a concern when transitioning to the NHL. However, his positioning and ability to read the game help mitigate this weakness.

Shooting & Offensive Play

One of his strengths is his shot—quick and accurate, maintaining its quality even when in motion. However, he does not use it as his primary weapon, preferring to drive to the net and engage physically. His anticipation helps him find teammates and distribute the puck effectively. While he does not have elite puck-handling skills, he controls the puck well in traffic areas

Physicality & Defensive Play

Xhekaj imposes himself not only by dropping the gloves but also through his intensity in puck battles. He frequently initiates contact and is highly effective in front of the opponent’s net. His game is fundamentally solid, and he has a knack for jumping into offensive opportunities at the right time. Though he is not projected as a high-end offensive player, he adapts well to his role and contributes in various ways to his team’s attack. Defensively, he executes the small details that make a difference. He uses his stick well to break up passing lanes and defends effectively in one-on-one situations. He is also highly involved along the boards, where his size and strength are key assets.

Physicality and Competitiveness

Xhekaj’s physical edge is one of his standout attributes. He commands respect on the ice and never backs down, even against the toughest players in the AHL. Despite his young age, he exudes confidence, which is a positive sign for his NHL transition.

Projection and Risks

Based on observations, Xhekaj is projected to be a fourth-line NHL forward. He possesses the qualities needed to thrive in a physical and defensive role, with some offensive upside. He is unlikely to become a top offensive contributor but fits well into his current role and could perform similarly at the NHL level.

The main concern is his lack of explosiveness in his skating. When transitioning to the NHL, he may struggle to create separation from opponents due to this limitation. This will be a key area of focus in his development over the next few seasons.

Additional Note

Xhekaj has exceeded expectations set for him. Last year, he faced criticism for playing in a role that did not match his playing style. His offensive strengths were overly emphasized, which exposed some of his weaknesses. Now, he is in a role that suits him well—one that requires him to perform the typical tasks of a depth forward while contributing secondary offense.

Unlike his brother at the same age, Xhekaj already understands the intricacies of the role he is projected to play in the NHL. This adaptation has allowed him to maximize his impact and play to his full potential. His coach, Pascal Vincent, has praised his dedication in key moments and his ability to quickly absorb lessons. His quick learning and hockey sense will be valuable assets in his path to the NHL.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Anticipation and hockey IQ
• Accurate and effective shot
• Physicality and intensity
• Strong work ethic (highlighted by Pascal Vincent)

Weaknesses:

• Lack of explosiveness in skating
• Struggles to stand out in offensive transitions

NHL Timeline Projection

According to projections, Xhekaj should seriously compete for an NHL roster spot by the 2026-27 season. Some believe he could make the jump as early as next season, but for his type of player, there is no rush. He is expected to get NHL call-ups next year but will likely not secure a full-time spot just yet.

AHL Statistics (2024-25 season, updated March 16, 2025):

• Games played: 55
• Goals: 17
• Assists: 10
• Points: 27
• Penalty minutes: 177