The Montreal Canadiens are navigating long-term injuries to forwards Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach, and Patrik Laine, as they push to end a five-game skid.

Xhekaj showed a strong Laval contribution last season with 24 goals, 11 assists and 175 penalty minutes in 69 games, plus 1 goal, 2 assists and 59 penalty minutes in 10 playoff games.

Florian Xhekaj, a 21-year-old winger at 6-foot-4 and 204 pounds, has recorded two goals and two assists with 44 penalty minutes in 16 games for Laval this season.

Center Jake Evans left Thursday night’s 8-4 loss to Washington following a hard hit from Tom Wilson, adding to the Canadiens’ injury concerns.

The Canadiens recalled Florian Xhekaj from Laval on Friday, and he could make his NHL debut Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Joshua Roy was sent back to Laval after a brief Canadiens call-up, as roster depth is managed amid injuries.