Florian Hekai is eager to play after his first training session with Laval Rocket

The team has not yet decided if he will see action in Thursday's game at Cleveland.

Published on April 10, 2024 • 3 minutes of reading

“When (the Laval Rockets) call my name and tell me I'm in the lineup, I'll be ready,” said Florian Hekaj, who was seen at Canada's training camp last September. “I'm going to do whatever I can to help the team get to the playoffs. I think I can add a physical game. I have a good (hockey) IQ, I can play around the net and score points. It's a matter of roster space and they're here for me (next season ) wants me to stay. We'll see.” Photo by John Mahoney /Montreal Gazette files

Given their ages, let alone where they are in their careers, it's too early to tell which member of the Hekage family is the better hockey player.

But 19-year-old forward Florian Hekay makes no secret of his hopes of playing for the Canadians alongside his 23-year-old defenseman brother Arber.

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“It's been a dream and I hope we can make it happen one day,” Hekaid said Wednesday during a video conference call from Cleveland after his first practice with the Laval Rockets.

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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 undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The forward also signed a professional tryout offer that will allow him to join the Rockets for the rest of the AHL season.

In the battle for the North Division's fifth and final playoff berth, Laval has four regular-season games remaining, starting with a pair against the Monsters on Thursday and Saturday. Hekaid was the 13th forward during the first practice, indicating that he may need extra time to adjust to the move from the Ontario Hockey League.

Although primarily a lefty, the Bulldogs have used him at center this season. The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder exploded offensively, scoring 34 goals and 65 points in 63 games and adding five points in six playoff games before Brantford was eliminated by Ottawa. Hekai had 81 penalties on the season, was a plus-17, had five power play goals and one shorthanded goal.

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In his junior year, he was discharged from the military and is considered a late bloomer. Hekai had 13 goals and 25 points in 68 games last season, killing 76 penalties. At minus-17, he improved on his 200-foot game this season. The Hamilton native was selected in the fourth round (101st overall) by the Canadiens last season.

“He looked good,” Rockets head coach Jean-Francois Hole said after practice. “For a big 6-foot-4 (player) to me, he handled the puck well and made some tough passes. Is he ready for this level? I'm not sure. We only had one practice. It's a tough situation with four games to go. Maybe watching a game from the stands would help. Maybe he'll jump right in and play right away.

“We will make a decision (Thursday), but he did not look out of place. He can skate well. He is a big boy. We'll see how he gets used to his teammates.”

Physically, Hekaid is considered a dominant power forward who could finally provide the Canadiens with the big center they've been waiting for. He could also return to the OHL next season as an overage player if the organization feels he is not yet ready for the professional game.

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“When they call my name and tell me I'm on the list, I'll be ready,” he said. “I will do everything in my power to help the team get to the playoffs. I think I can add a physical game. I also have a good (hockey) IQ, can play with the net and score points. Is it a space issue in the lineup and do they want me to stay here (next season)? We will see.

“I will do it gradually,” Chekay added. “I'm happy to be here. I am happy to. I think it's a great opportunity.”

Hekaid said his game has blossomed this season under Brantford head coach Jay McKee, a former NHL defenseman with Pittsburgh, Buffalo and St. Louis.

“It makes me go out there and play with more confidence,” Hekaid said. “I've got power play time and more. Confidence was the key this year.”

In addition, Brandon Gignac, the Rockets' leading scorer, is suffering from an injury, did not practice on Wednesday and will not play on Thursday, the team announced.

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