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, 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, as the Canadiens attempt to break a five-game losing streak.
Joshua Roy was sent to Laval after being called up for two games.
This season, Florian Xhekaj has two goals, two assists, and 44 penalty minutes in 16 games with Laval. Last season with the Rocket, he recorded 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 faces long-term injuries to Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach, and Patrik Laine. Jake Evans left Thursday night’s game against Washington after a hard hit from Tom Wilson.
