Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj sidelined two more weeks

Montreal Canadiens forward Florian Xhekaj is expected to remain sidelined for at least two more weeks due to a lower-body injury. The 22-year-old forward has missed the team’s last three games following a painful incident during Monday’s practice.

In addition to Xhekaj’s absence, winger Juraj Slafkovsky missed Friday’s practice for a maintenance day. Slafkovsky was previously shaken up during a Wednesday game against Washington after taking a hit and being struck in the head. Head coach Martin St-Louis expects Slafkovsky to be available for Saturday’s game against Buffalo.

The Canadiens are currently managing several absences, including Ivan Demidov, Samuel Montembeault, Mike Matheson, and Oliver Kapanen.