MONTREAL — Montreal forward Florian Csekay, the intense younger brother of Canadiens strong defenseman Arber Csekay, is set to make his NHL debut Saturday against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
Czekai skated on a line with Josh Anderson and Jake Evans during the team's morning skate at the Bell Center. Evans returned from Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals after being hit hard by Tom Wilson and missing Friday's practice.
Florian Czekaj, a six-foot-four, 204-pound winger, has two goals and two assists in 16 AHL games this season. The 21-year-old from Hamilton has impressed with 24 goals and 11 assists in 69 games for the Rocket in the 2024/25 season.
The slumping Canadiens will look to snap a five-game losing streak. Montreal goaltenders Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes have a combined save percentage of 0.838 since November 1st.
Dobes, who started the season as a reserve player, will start on Saturday. The Maple Leafs face Joseph Wall, who is preparing for his fourth straight start with Anthony Stolarz (upper body) still injured.
Toronto captain Auston Matthews and forward Matthew Nice, both nursing lower-body injuries, remain sidelined. Both players took part in the Leafs' extra morning skate.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2025.
