Canadiens first-rounder draws Xhekaj comparison after slow MHL start

Montreal moved from No. 28 to No. 26 to make the pick.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 241 min read

What happened: A former Canadiens scout raised concerns about the prospect's skating and pace. Questions about his discipline and emotional control prompted a comparison to Arber Xhekaj.

Why it matters: The first-round label brings heightened expectations, though the early sample is too small for a firm projection. Montreal also sent a 2027 third-round pick to Vegas in the deal, increasing the cost of the selection.

By the numbers: Through three MHL games, the prospect has one empty-net goal and a minus-2 rating. He has scored six goals over his past 41 games.

What to watch: His regular-season production, skating and discipline will offer a clearer development test.

Sources

Montreal Hockey Fanatics 2026-08-24T02:15:02.246483+00:00

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