Deep down, Florian Xhekaj probably realized he wasn’t going to crack the Canadiens’ roster this season.

But the fact the 21-year-old Laval Rocket centre made it to the final round of cuts — along with forward Owen Beck and defenceman Adam Engstrom — bolsters his confidence, knowing his time with the Canadiens will come.

It also could be argued he has already moved ahead of Beck on the prospect depth chart, although Beck already was recalled for two games this month after injuries to Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine.

“I made it as far as you can go without making the team,” Xhekaj said this week. “I was proud of myself for that. I don’t think I surprised myself, but I think I surprised a lot of people. And that was good.

“I think I showed a mix of everything,” added the 6-foot-3, 217

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