The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent Alexandre Texier to the St. Louis Blues by trade and then it was announced that he signs with the club. Texier had been a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration eligibility. So, it was nice for General Manager Don Waddell to make the trade and allow the Blues to sign him. It is reportedly a two-year deal worth $2.1 in annual average value. The return in the deal for Waddell and the Blue Jackets was a fourth-round pick in 2025.
#CBJ has traded Alexandre Texier to #stlblues for a 2025 4th round pick
He then signed a 2-year, $2.1M AAV contract extension with St. Louis, per @PuckPedia https://t.co/21QLaBNaeH
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) June 28, 2024
The St. Louis Blues have acquired Alexandre Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for a 4th Rd pick
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 28, 2024
French Forward Alexandre Texier Signs with Blues
Texier is one of only three current natives of France playing in the NHL. He was drafted 45th overall by Columbus in 2017. Now, at 24 years of age, he is a four-year veteran of the NHL, with 79 points through 201 games. Furthermore, in 2023-24, he tallied 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 78 games. This was all the while skating 15:11 a night. Interestingly enough, for Texier, he did well to boost his stock in a contract season, RFA or not. His 2023-24 totals were all career-highs, goals, assists, points, and even his 38 penalty minutes. He definitely brings the abilities that this Blues group can make the most of as they develop together, similar to the situation in Columbus.
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What Does This Mean in Columbus
It is known that Don Waddell wanted to come into Columbus and leave an impact. He certainly has done that moving an expiring contract for an asset. A fourth-round pick isn’t a huge deal, but it is something. With young players like Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko, this club has plenty of upside to come.
What Can Texier Continue to Deliver to the Blues Forward Group
As soon as Alexandre Texier is acquired by trade, he then subsequently signs an extension with the Blues. Texier is definitely a great depth, two-way forward, and he plays centre. Two-way forwards can take longer to develop, so maybe this new contract will really see him progress. Also, his age is aligned with the development timing of the rest of the group. Texier will add value to this group as they try to develop into a potent offensive machine and playoff contender over the next few years.
Main photo: Russell LaBounty – USA TODAY Sports
