After going through dark times marked by addiction, Alexandre Texier is back in paradise.
St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today that the team has acquired forward Alexandre Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Additionally, the Blues signed Texier to a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension ($2.1 million average annual value).
Texier, 24, was originally drafted by Columbus with the 45th overall pick in 2017.
Last season, the 6-foot-1, 201-pound forward played 78 regular-season games, setting career highs with 12 goals, 18 assists and 30 points.
In total, the native of Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France, played in 201 regular season NHL games, accumulating 79 points (34 goals, 45 assists) and 82 penalty minutes.
Texier has also represented France in numerous international tournaments, including the 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023 IIHF World Championships as well as the 2017 and 2018 IIHF World Junior Championships (D1A).
His comeback after overcoming personal challenges shows not only his resilience, but also his deep desire to reinvent himself and contribute to his team, the St. Louis Blues. This new chapter in his career could well be the beginning of a beautiful renaissance on the professional hockey scene.
After a dark period marked by addiction problems, Alexandre Texier is ready to try his luck again in the comfort of his new two-year contract.
This is what he declared during a videoconference organized by the Blues. The story of his absence from the NHL is marked by significant personal challenges.
In August of last year, the Blue Jackets announced that Texier would not play in Columbus following a recommendation from the NHL’s substance abuse and behavioral health program and the players’ association.
This decision followed tragic events, including the loss of two loved ones, which led Texier to seek an environment closer to his family in France.
He was loaned to the Zurich Lions in the Swiss National League, where he continued to play while recovering. Despite the mystery surrounding the move, it is clear that this period was crucial for Texier.
He was able to count on the support of his family and friends, realizing the importance of personal relationships in difficult times.
His head coach in Zurich, Marc Crawford, highlighted Texier’s closeness to his parents, noting that he took every opportunity to visit them.
On the ice, Texier demonstrated his talent in Switzerland, recording 35 points in 46 games. Crawford noted his exceptional caliber, describing him as the closest NHL player in the Swiss league.
However, despite his performance, it was evident that his heart and mind were set on returning to North America. He finally returned to Columbus…to be traded.
Now with the St. Louis Blues, Texier is determined to prove he can be an impact player in the NHL.
Texier seems revived by his stay in Switzerland and ready to concentrate fully on his career in North America.
Hats off to him.
