Florian Xhekaj eager to play after first practice with Laval Rocket

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Given their age differences, not to mention where they are in their respective careers, it’s premature to determine which member of the Xhekaj family is the better hockey player.

But forward Florian Xhekaj, 19, doesn’t hide the fact he hopes to eventually play on the Canadiens with his older brother Arber, a 23-year-old defenceman.

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“It has been a dream and, hopefully, we can do that one day,” Xhekaj said Wednesday during a video conference from Cleveland following his first practice with the Laval Rocket.

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The Brantford Bulldogs forward signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canadiens on Tuesday — the same day the organization announced his brother would be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. The forward also signed a professional tryout offer, allowing him to join the Rocket for the remainder of the AHL season.

Laval, in a battle for the North Division’s fifth and final playoff berth, has four regular-season games remaining, beginning with a pair against the Monsters on Thursday and Saturday. During his first practice, Xhekaj was the extra 13th forward, a strong indication he might receive additional time to adjust to the transition from the Ontario Hockey League.

Although primarily a left-winger, the Bulldogs also used him at centre this season. The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder exploded offensively, scoring 34 goals and 65 points in 63 games, adding five points in six playoff games before Brantford was eliminated by Ottawa. Xhekaj took 81 penalty minutes during the season, was a plus-17, scored five power-play goals and one while short-handed.

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He went undrafted in junior and is considered a late bloomer. Xhekaj scored 13 goals and 25 points last season in 68 games while taking 76 penalty minutes. At minus-17, he obviously improved his 200-foot game this season. The Hamilton native was selected in the fourth round (101st overall) by the Canadiens last June.

“He looked fine,” Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle said following practice. “To me, for a big 6-foot-4 (player), he handled the puck fine and made some hard passes. Is he ready for this level? I’m not sure. We’ve only had one practice. It’s a delicate situation with four games to go. Maybe watching one game from the stands can help. Maybe it’s jumping right in and playing right away.

“We’ll take a decision (Thursday) but he didn’t look out of place. He can skate OK. He’s a big boy. We’ll see how he gets used to his teammates.”

Imposing physically, Xhekaj is considered a dominant power forward who could eventually provide the Canadiens with the big centre they’ve long coveted. He could also return to the OHL next season as an overage player should the organization believe he’s not yet prepared for the pro game.

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“When they call my name and tell me I’m in the lineup, I’ll be ready,” he said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help the team get into a playoff spot. I think I can add a physical game. I also have a good (hockey) IQ, can make plays by the net and score. It’s a matter of lineup space and whether they want me to stick around here (next season). We’ll see.

“I’m taking it step by step,” Xhekaj added. “I’m happy to be here. I’m excited. I just think it’s a great opportunity.”

Xhekaj said his game blossomed this season under the tutelage of Brantford head coach Jay McKee, a former NHL defenceman with Pittsburgh, Buffalo and St. Louis.

“That makes me go out there and play with more confidence,” Xhekaj said. “I got power-play time and a lot more touches out there. Confidence was the key this year.”

Meanwhile, Rocket leading scorer Brandon Gignac, suffering from a lower-body injury, didn’t practise on Wednesday and won’t play on Thursday, the team announced.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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