The Montreal Canadiens have called up forward Florian Xhekaj, younger brother of defenseman Arber Xhekaj, from the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League.
Florian Xhekaj, 21 years old, is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 204 pounds. He could make his NHL debut on Saturday night at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadiens are looking to break a five-game losing streak.
Forward Joshua Roy was sent to Laval after being called up for two games.
In 16 games with Laval this season, Florian Xhekaj has scored two goals, two assists, and 44 penalty minutes. Last season, with the Rocket, he had 24 goals, 11 assists, and 175 penalty minutes in 69 regular season games, as well as one goal, two assists, and 59 penalty minutes in 10 playoff games.
Montreal is facing long-term injuries to forwards Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach, and Patrik Laine. Center Jake Evans left Thursday night’s game, in the 8-4 home loss against Washington, after a hard hit from Tom Wilson.
