Alexandre Texier has inked a new deal with the Montreal Canadiens after being released from his previous contract on Saturday. He signed a one-year contract that will pay him $1 million annually soon after parting ways with the St. Louis Blues.
Montreal, facing a roster plagued by injuries, sees Texier as a valuable addition to bolster the depth and health of Martin St. Louis’ team. Texier’s agent, Dan Milstein, confirmed the signing via a social media post on X.
This season, the 26-year-old appeared in eight NHL games with the Blues, contributing one assist and accruing several penalty minutes. However, Texier’s ice time dropped to a career low, averaging just 10 minutes and 15 seconds per game, with a notable low of 5 minutes and 33 seconds in a win over the Dallas Stars on October 18.
His last game for the NHL was on November 6 against the Buffalo Sabres, after which he was sent to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL on Friday. Prior to being waived, Texier was in the final year of a two-year contract worth $2.1 million annually, which he had secured after being traded to St. Louis from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Texier was initially drafted in the second round by the Blue Jackets in 2017 and has played five seasons with them. Statistically, his most productive year was 2023-24, his last with Columbus, when he scored 12 goals, added 18 assists, and totaled 30 points while averaging over 15 minutes of ice time per game. That season, he also set career highs playing in 78 games.
Fan Take: Alexandre Texier’s signing is a bright spot for the injury-hit Canadiens, offering a promising boost in depth that could prove crucial as they push forward. For hockey fans, this move highlights how veteran players seeking fresh opportunities can revitalize teams and keep the sport competitive and exciting.
