Cole Caufield will not play: Alexandre Texier gets a big promotion

Things change quickly in the world of hockey. Alexandre Texier, who has gotten used to watching Canadiens games from the press gallery, will play with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky tonight. He replaces Cole Caufield.

Alexandre Texier will replace Cole Caufield on the first line. He will skate with Suzuki and Slafkovsky.

— J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontLNH) March 11, 2026

We knew that Caufield was a last-minute decision due to the fact that he is sick (and perhaps a little injured?) at the moment. But now it's confirmed.

This is the first game he has missed since the 2022-2023 season, when he was seriously injured.

Texier, who is now ahead of Joe Veleno and Patrik Laine, will play on the first line so as not to disrupt the chemistry of the other lines. It's all or nothing, right?

However, expect to see Ivan Demidov, if necessary, come in and play on the first line here and there.

The CH lineup warming up in Ottawa.

Texier-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Newhook-Kapanen-Demidov
Bolduc-Evans-Dach
Anderson-Danault-Gallagher

Matheson-Dobson
Guhle-Hutson
Struble-Carrier

Fowler
Dobes

— J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontLNH) March 11, 2026

It will be interesting to see the Canadiens play without their top scorer. Several aspects of the game, starting with the power play, will have to be reevaluated for this matchup.

We'll see how it plays out.

Overtime

Defensively, Arber Xhekaj will not be playing. Instead, Jayden Struble will have the chance to face the Senators, a divisional rival that can stir things up. The musical chairs continue on the blue line.

And of course, Jacob Fowler will be in net.