Canadiens forward Xhekaj out two more weeks; Slafkovsky misses practice

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi (32) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens' Florian Xhekaj (63) as Hurricanes' Jalen Chatfield (5) defends during third period NHL hockey action in Montreal on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)

BROSSARD — Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj will be sidelined for another two weeks with a lower-body injury, the team said Friday.

Xhekaj has missed the team’s last three games after appearing in two contests without recording a point.

Meanwhile, winger Juraj Slafkovsky missed practice Friday for what the team called a maintenance day.

The 22-year-old Slovak was shaken up during Wednesday’s game against Washington after taking a hit from Ivan Miroshnichenko and being struck in the head by Tom Wilson.

Slafkovsky returned to the game after a brief trip to the dressing room.

Head coach Martin St. Louis expects him to be available Saturday against Buffalo.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2026.