Ivan Demidov is out 2 to 4 weeks, forcing Martin St-Louis to move quickly toward Florian Xhekaj.
The Montreal Canadiens announced Tuesday that Demidov will miss time with a lower-body injury, taking an offensive piece out of the lineup just as the season gets moving.
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The immediate question was who would step into the opening. Montreal offered a strong clue at practice, where Xhekaj worked in a regular trio alongside Josh Anderson and Jake Evans.
They also revealed during their pre-game interviews that Xhekaj will indeed replacement Demidov.
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That combination puts Xhekaj in position to enter the lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes. More importantly, he wasn't skating as an isolated extra waiting for work after the regular groups.
For St-Louis, the choice would change the profile of the bottom six. Xhekaj brings size and a direct game rather than trying to replicate the skill package Montreal loses with Demidov.
The practice clip shows Xhekaj moving through the drill with Anderson and Evans as part of the regular rotation, a clear visual sign that he's getting a serious look.
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Florian Xhekaj now has an opening
This is the kind of opportunity Xhekaj has been waiting for. An injury has suddenly opened a lineup spot, and Montreal can use his pace, forecheck and willingness to play through traffic.
The fit with Evans and Anderson also makes sense stylistically. Evans can handle the details through the middle while Anderson drives the puck north, leaving Xhekaj to bring pressure and energy on the wing.
Nobody inside Montreal will expect Xhekaj to replace Demidov's creativity. That's not the assignment. The Canadiens need him to make his own game useful enough that St-Louis doesn't have to reshuffle multiple lines.
And the timing matters. Demidov's absence is expected to last 2 to 4 weeks, enough time for a temporary replacement to earn real traction rather than simply survive one night.
A strong showing against Carolina could turn this from an emergency opening into a genuine roster battle. Coaches remember players who make lineup decisions harder when injured teammates begin returning.
For Xhekaj, the door is suddenly open. Demidov's injury is the bad news Montreal didn't want, but the first response appears clear: Xhekaj is next in line.
Should Florian Xhekaj stay in the Canadiens lineup after Ivan Demidov returns?
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