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Rookie tradition leads to a quick sanction for Florian Xhekaj in his NHL debut


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Elias Edmonson
November 22, 2025  (10:46 PM)
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Photo of Florian Xhekaj
Photo credit: NHL

The young Montreal Canadiens forward, Florian Xhekaj, played his very first NHL game this Saturday night.

It was certainly a special night for Florian, for his brother Arber, and, of course, for the entire Xhekaj family.
Arber Xhekaj's little brother even got his own nice little moment of glory before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"Florian Xhekaj comes out for his rookie lap to the sound of the Black Eyed Peas' Pump It and receives the expected welcome"

- Karine Hains, The Hockey News
We love it!
However, since Florian obviously did his traditional rookie lap without a helmet, it immediately comes with a ridiculous fine from Gary Bettman and the NHL.

Already a sanction from the NHL for young Florian Xhekaj

We mention it every time, to highlight how ridiculous it is, but Gary Bettman and the NHL have a pretty special way of welcoming a new player to the league, and it comes with a fine!
It is, of course, strictly forbidden by the National Hockey League for a rookie to step onto the ice without a helmet.
That said, we generally imagine that the organizations pay these fines directly, but it remains quite a ridiculous rule... especially for these little traditions!
Speaking of Florian Xhekaj, he had an incredible first game!
"Florian Xhekaj has an assist and a fight in his 1st career NHL game"

- HabsOnReddit
What a game for the young Xhekaj!
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NOVEMBRE 22   |   1397 ANSWERS
Rookie tradition leads to a quick sanction for Florian Xhekaj in his NHL debut

Do you believe Florian Xhekaj has played his last game with the Laval Rocket this season?

Yes62845 %
No - he'll be sent back to Laval eventually76955 %
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