The strange use of Alexandre Texier is causing a stir

Alexandre Texier has seen a lot of action in recent months. Between October 8 and November 19, he played in only eight of the St. Louis Blues' 20 games.

On November 20, he was placed on waivers, and on the 21st, he learned that he had not been claimed.

The next day, he was placed on unconditional waivers, and on the 23rd, he and the Blues mutually agreed to terminate his contract ($2.1 million for the 2025-26 season).

Just hours after severing ties with the Blues, Texier agreed to join the Canadiens on a one-year, $1 million contract. He waited a few days before playing his first game with his new team, which he did on the 28th (on the bottom six).

He played a few “average” games before going on a four-game streak with at least one point in mid-December. He became unproductive again (due to a mysterious minor injury, it was said)… then he hit the jackpot in early January, scoring three points in two games in 24 hours at the Bell Centre. Need I remind you of his two post-game interviews at center ice after being named the first star?

On January 14, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton announced that they had signed the French forward to a two-year contract extension (average annual salary of $2.5 million).

However, since signing the new contract, nothing has gone right for Alexandre Texier. He has played only five games and failed to get on the score sheet. He has also seen Kirby Dach steal his spot on the first line.

Texier hasn't played since January 29, and it would be surprising to see him in action tonight in Winnipeg. Why? Because according to Renaud Lavoie, he's nursing a groin injury, and it would be wiser for him to rest for a few more days before the Olympics. Remember that Texier will be representing France in Milan.

The Games are approaching, and he needs to be healthy for Francehttps://t.co/SnnhYnNywt

— TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 4, 2026

The Canadiens will reevaluate Texier's condition today, and he could theoretically be cleared to play tonight. But with 13 healthy forwards and a team that ‘s playing well, why would Texier risk playing and aggravating his injury before the Games?

Except that France has nothing to gain at the Olympics, while the Canadiens are in an excellent position to make the playoffs. And it's the habs that pay him, not France…

In short, the last few weeks, even months, have been full of surprises—good and bad—for Alexandre Texier, and it's clear that we haven't seen the last of them yet.

Will he be in top shape when he returns from the Games, as the Habs enter the final stretch of the season? How much will he be able to help the Habs win important games? We'll see.

For now, you have to admit that his usage—after signing him to a two-year deal—is giving people something to talk about.

Overtime

I invite you to watch the latest episode of the CCPP X DLC podcast recorded yesterday, in which we review the latest news and you'll learn a lot about the newcomers from the last transfer window. If you want to know how the club's practices are going, two weeks before the start of the CF Montréal season, click PLAY.