Martin St-Louis Sends Clear Message to Florian Xhekaj Ahead of Final Canadiens Roster Cuts
Martin St-Louis sends a strong message to young Florian Xhekaj by reminding that the start of the season is only one step in a much longer race with the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canadiens continue training camp, and several young players are still trying to force the organization's hand.
Among them, it's no surprise that Florian Xhekaj is attracting a lot of attention. However, his immediate future with the Habs is far from guaranteed.
Florian Xhekaj at the heart of a long-term development process with the Montreal Canadiens
Asked about the situation, head coach Martin St-Louis offered a piece of advice full of wisdom that applies as much to Xhekaj as to all the organization's prospects.
The coach reminded that the start of the season is only a step in a long journey.
According to St-Louis, a player who does not immediately make the lineup should not see that as a failure.
MSL on his advice for young players like Florian Xhekaj looking to make the team:
"Yeah the deadline of the start of the season is a deadline but the League keeps going. Let's say he doesn't win that race, it doesn't mean he lost the race - there's still a race out there"
- Via Priyanta Emrith
"Yeah the deadline of the start of the season is a deadline but the League keeps going. Let's say he doesn't win that race, it doesn't mean he lost the race - there's still a race out there"
- Via Priyanta Emrith
I think these words are aimed directly at Xhekaj, who is trying to earn a spot despite heavy competition up front.
Arber Xhekaj's younger brother has shown some good things, but he will likely have to wait before getting his real chance in the NHL.
As St-Louis explained:
"You can't measure success only in the short term, but in consistency and development."
In my opinion, this is a very healthy vision, because too often in the past, Montreal has rushed steps with its young players.
For Florian, the message is clear: the road to the NHL may be long, but I'm confident he will make the NHL at some point.
TRENDING NOW
