Montreal Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj’s physical style of play caught the attention of fans and opponents across the league over the past year.
Nicknamed “The Sheriff” for his tendency to stick up for teammates, it’s possible that Xhekaj’s impact also played some part in the Canadiens selecting his younger brother Florian with the 101st pick at the 2023 draft.
And judging by the 19-year-old prospect’s recent string of OHL games, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
So far, the Brantford Bulldogs forward has been all over the scoresheet, netting three goals, three assists and 20 penalty minutes over just seven games this season. But like his older brother Arber, Florian has been beneficial in the intimidation category as well.
Along with plenty of time in the box in his first few games, Xhekaj has been issued three separate game misconducts for things like slew footing, leaving the bench to fight, and initiating a brawl after a game was decided in overtime.
He also dropped the gloves with Sawyer Boulton, the son of longtime NHL heavyweight Eric Boulton, in an electrifying tilt last week. The two heavyweights showed no fear, exchanging blows in what can only be described as an old-school hockey fight.
And speaking of fighting, Xhekaj, who is on pace to finish the season with over 180 penalty minutes, made quite the impression during the Canadiens’ rookie camp in a prospects game against the Ottawa Senators, dropping the gloves with Connor Clattenburg.
When asked about potentially joining his big brother’s team, the Hamilton, Ontario, native said, āThat was always our dream playing with each other growing up, so to be in the same organization itās super special… So hopefully one day weāll play with each other.ā
While there’s no telling if and when he’ll get the call to make the move up to the NHL, it’s safe to say that opponents will think twice about messing with either of the Xhekaj brothers ā especially if they’re on the ice at the same time.
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