When Florian Czekai says he wants to model his style on Tom Wilson, it's not an easy thing to say. It is a direction, almost a personal and professional commitment. Wilson is not just a strong player: he hits, provokes, changes the atmosphere of the match and contributes to the attack.
And if Czekai wants to leave a lasting mark, this physically dominant but offensively useful hybrid profile is likely to be the fit.
In a short video published Hallway On Instagram, Czekai explains his goal: to become that “difficult” player you notice even when he's not touching the puck. This line echoes an observation the organization has already made: Cekaj has the physical tools and mentality, but now needs to add control, consistency and compelling offensive contributions.
Tom Wilson has built his reputation on a rare duality: he can score 20 goals a season while remaining one of the most physical players in the NHL. This is not just a personality, this is a unique role. Czekai has never hidden his admiration for this versatile forward, capable of commanding respect not only with his presence, his checking, but also with his ability to make his opponents pay on the scoreboard.
However, taking inspiration from Wilson comes with a difficult challenge: learning to pick your moments, hit shots without hurting the team, contribute without overdoing it, and learning to become a player who destabilizes… without incapacitating himself.
This is where Alexandre Texier, another implicit protagonist of the title, comes into the picture. Texier is not a physical player. And he is not an agitator. He's a fast, smart, creative player who can attack and fill the spot that many youngsters covet: a regular top-9 spot.
And the competition is not theoretical. As Renaud Lavoie confirmed on X, Texier will be in training tomorrow. Information that adds weight to context and reminds us that things will happen quickly, on the ice, and not in forecasts.
@CanadiensMTL I confirm that Alex Texier will be at training tomorrow. @TVASports
– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) November 23, 2025
Texier doesn't play in the same style as Czekay, but both crave the same space in the formation: a player who can create momentum.
And with Czekai being the last addition to the team yesterday, he (and Jared Davidson) will likely make way for Texier before Wednesday's game if necessary.
The competition is not head-on, but it is there: the coach will always be looking for a striker who can influence the match, whether through physical presence or attacking formations. And this is where the titular phrase comes into play: if Shekai wants to continue the conversation, he will have to offer more than just a spectacular test.
Since the beginning of the season we have seen a player who is more disciplined, more patient with the puck and, above all, more attentive to the details of the game. His reading seems smoother and his decisions less impulsive. If he wants to continue on this trajectory, he will need to limit avoidable penalties, increase his goal tally and maintain a strong style of play without going overboard.
These adjustments are necessary if he is to go from a “promising physical player” to a “hard to replace piece.”
Ultimately, if Florian Csekaj truly wants to bring to life this modern version of the Tom Wilson-inspired power forward, he will have to prove it night after night – especially with a player like Alexandre Texier willing to take on space and responsibility.
This internal duel is not a threat, it is a driving force. In a league where a place has to be won, Czekai seems ready to fight for it.
after a while
– What will the Preds do?
Frustration grows in Nashville https://t.co/fFKA8ynCdV
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 23, 2025
– Will the Blues make a move?
David Pagnotta: On the Blues: Teams are always poking around, asking about Parayko, asking about Thomas; that doesn't mean St. Louis will move them all, you can call wherever you want, I still won't say anything; but they're listening – Winnipeg Sports Talk (11/20)
– NHL Rumors Report (@NHLRumourReport) November 23, 2025
– A name to watch.
Teams are interested in blueliner Mintyukov https://t.co/CY2j0fDPat
– Fourth period (@TFP) November 23, 2025
– Interesting.
Today's deal changes a lot of things. https://t.co/k82h5wl34K
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) November 24, 2025
