That’s it: the development camp is over.
It was great to see some of the Canadiens hopefuls at camp showing their skills and competing once morest each other in front of some of the organization’s top executives.
This is a great opportunity for them to earn points, so to speak.
As we mentioned before, Michael Hage stood out this week. This was especially evident during today’s intrasquad game, but it was true throughout the entire week.
It’s always better to stand out in a positive way.
Francis Bouillon confirmed to the media that the 2024 first-round pick was indeed among the players who impressed during the week. But he wasn’t the only player who stood out.
Florian “The Unicorn” Xhekaj also stood out, said Bouillon, the player development coach.
Francis Bouillon mentions that Michael Hage and Florian Xhekaj particularly distinguished themselves this week.
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 5, 2024
That’s true during the week, but it’s also clear that for those who didn’t see everything that happened and only saw this morning’s game, the Sheriff’s brother stood out.
He was excellent this morning. He seemed like a man playing once morest children in some ways.
Florian Xhekaj finds the back of the net once more!
Florian Xhekaj finds the back of the net once more!
🔴 7 – ⚪ 1#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/e4xIn3vhsL
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 5, 2024
For Xhekaj, it’s interesting. After all, the Canadiens prospect has had a meteoric rise in the OHL this season and we’re clearly seeing the fruits of his efforts right now.
Arber’s brother doesn’t want to return to junior and today’s game shows that when he plays once morest kids his own age, he is capable of dominating on the ice.
If there’s room for him, I’d like to see what he’s got once morest men in Laval, under the command of… someone. Xhekaj is at the right point in his progression following taking off in junior.
But to earn his place among the pros, he still has a long way to go at the club’s next camp.
A lot of
– A medical update is expected for Owen Beck, who was injured today.
Canadiens should have update on Owen Beck’s lower-body injury suffered in development camp scrimmage later today #Habs #HasIO
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 5, 2024
– Oh?
This is what he told Rodger Brulotte.
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 5, 2024
– Nice.
Sam Harris on Michael Hage:
“He’s excellent. He manages to create opportunities with nothing at all.”
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 5, 2024
– Some contracts in Seattle.
#SeaKraken have signed Eeli Tolvanen to a two-year contract… per Ron Francis. pic.twitter.com/o4MtqW2tNE
— Deep Sea Hockey (@DeepSeaHockey) July 5, 2024
BERK YEAH!!! 🎉
The #SeaKraken have agreed to terms with 2024 first-round draft pick Berkly Catton to a three-year, entry-level contract (975k AAV). pic.twitter.com/oHPV2opKco
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 5, 2024
– Well done.
Jacob Fowler signing autographs and taking some photos with fans following the scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/3iSgVxyp8u
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 5, 2024
– Dylan Coghlan in Manitoba?
Believe Winnipeg will be acquiring D Dylan Coghlan from Carolina, too
RFA with a big shot
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 5, 2024
Canadiens Development Camp: Michael Hage and Florian Xhekaj Shine
The Canadiens’ development camp is officially in the rearview mirror, and it was a successful one for young prospects eager to showcase their skills. While many players impressed, two stood out from the pack: Michael Hage and Florian Xhekaj.
Hage, the 2024 first-round pick, consistently made his presence felt throughout the week. He stood out during today’s intrasquad game, demonstrating his exceptional talent and sparking attention from the Canadiens’ organizational brass.
Xhekaj, the younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj, also delivered a standout performance. His meteoric rise in the OHL this past season is evident, displaying dominating performances once morest players his own age.
The Canadiens’ development coach, Francis Bouillon, highlighted both Hage and Xhekaj as players who impressed during the camp.
Francis Bouillon mentions that Michael Hage and Florian Xhekaj particularly distinguished themselves this week.
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 5, 2024
Xhekaj showcased his abilities this morning, dominating the ice. His impressive performance suggests that he is ready to compete with older, more experienced players.
Florian Xhekaj finds the back of the net once more!
Florian Xhekaj finds the back of the net once more!
🔴 7 – ⚪ 1#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/e4xIn3vhsL
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 5, 2024
While Xhekaj’s progress in junior hockey is undeniable, he still faces the challenge of making the jump to the professional level. He will need to prove himself once morest more seasoned players at the Canadiens’ next training camp.
Other News and Developments
Here are some additional insights from the Canadiens’ development camp and beyond:
- Owen Beck suffered a lower-body injury during today’s scrimmage.
- Sam Harris, a Canadiens scout, praised Michael Hage’s ability to create scoring chances.
- The Seattle Kraken signed Eeli Tolvanen to a two-year contract and Berkly Catton to a three-year entry-level contract.
- Jacob Fowler, a Canadiens prospect, spent time signing autographs and taking photos with fans.
- Winnipeg is expected to acquire defenseman Dylan Coghlan from Carolina.
Canadiens should have update on Owen Beck’s lower-body injury suffered in development camp scrimmage later today #Habs #HasIO
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 5, 2024
This is what he told Rodger Brulotte.
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 5, 2024
Sam Harris on Michael Hage:
“He’s excellent. He manages to create opportunities with nothing at all.”
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 5, 2024
#SeaKraken have signed Eeli Tolvanen to a two-year contract… per Ron Francis. pic.twitter.com/o4MtqW2tNE
— Deep Sea Hockey (@DeepSeaHockey) July 5, 2024
BERK YEAH!!! 🎉
The #SeaKraken have agreed to terms with 2024 first-round draft pick Berkly Catton to a three-year, entry-level contract (975k AAV). pic.twitter.com/oHPV2opKco
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 5, 2024
Jacob Fowler signing autographs and taking some photos with fans following the scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/3iSgVxyp8u
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 5, 2024
Believe Winnipeg will be acquiring D Dylan Coghlan from Carolina, too
RFA with a big shot
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 5, 2024
