The Columbus Blue Jackets signed Alexandre Texier, their restricted free-agent forward, to a two-year contract worth $3.05 million, or $1.525 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2022-23 season.
Alexandre Texier signs two-year extension with #CBJ at $1.525M AAV.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 28, 2021
Columbus Blue Jackets Signed RFA Alexandre Texier
Over his three-year NHL career, Texier has played only for the Jackets. Originally drafted in the second round, 45th overall of the 2017 NHL draft by Columbus, the 21-year old will be sticking with his franchise. His career totals sit at 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 total points, in 87 games.
Texier suited up for a career-high 49 contests in his third season this past year. Over those games, he tallied four goals and 11 assists to pair with 49 hits and 38 takeaways. His career Corsi-for percentage sits at 48.3 percent, with a relative number at 0.7 percent. The young forward experienced an uptick in usage as well, reaching a new high of 15:50 per night on average.
Welcome back to another familiar face! 👋
The #CBJ signs Alexandre Texier to a two-year contract through the 2022-23 season.
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 28, 2021
What This Means for the Future
Alexandre Texier signed this contract to stay put in Columbus and should continue seeing growth in his role with the club. The Blue Jackets took a sizable step backwards between the last couple of years. They flipped more players this year too and will be without Seth Jones or Cam Atkinson going forward. In their place, Jakub Voracek and Sean Kuraly join on offence. Adam Boqvist and Jake Bean enter the organization on defence as well. Patrik Laine received a one-year contract to stay too, so there are pieces in place to build around. The question now becomes exactly how it all fits together.
Undoubtedly, Texier remains a young player in a young lineup. He should be a top candidate for an enhanced role yet again next season and could be in for a career year given the opportunity in front of him. Whether Columbus returns to the playoff race remains to be seen. For now, the team looks committed to a rebuilding phase and can use this season to flesh out what pieces will be around long-term.
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 23: Alexandre Texier #42 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the New York Islanders at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on December 23, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Blue Jackets defeated the Islanders 3-2.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
