What are your expectations upon his return?
On February 26th 2022, it was announced that Alexandre Texier, due to a lingering finger issue, would be a few weeks from returning to the lineup. And then, a couple of weeks later on March 10th, the Blue Jackets announced that Texier would be granted an indefinite leave of absence so that he could be with his family back home in France.
Insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the reason behind Texiers decision to remain in France was “two members of Texiers family died in quick succession in recent months”. And that Texier was “emotionally and psychologically affected by the passings to the point of being unable to continue his professional career in the NHL, far from his family at the moment”. CBJ fans were left wondering if their favorite Frenchman would ever return but understood that being with his family was of the upmost importance.
On August 24th, 2022, it was announced that Texier wouldn’t play in the NHL during the 2022-23 season and would instead play in Europe. That same day, Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch reported that Texier would sign a one-year contract with the ZSC Lions in Switzerland. Texier played in 46 games for Zurich SC, scoring 13 goals and totaling 35 points.
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Columbus fans were given some good news on April 19th 2023, when it was announced that Texier would return to North America and play for the Blue Jackets. Fans were excited.
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Alex Texier made his NHL debut late in the season in 2019, netting one goal in two games. He then went on to play eight games in the post-season, scoring 2 goals and 3 points. For his young NHL career, his has 22 goals and 49 points, and is looking to come into this season and continue where he left off.
But what are the expectations for this upcoming season? I’m sure Texier wants to come in and have a great year, and the Jackets front office wants that for him as well. But playing for Zurich SC is a bit different that playing in the NHL. Thankfully for him, he has that experience in his back pocket, he knows what to expect and can shift his game back to the NHL level.
My expectations for him would be to come back in, play hard like he always did, and give the team 10 goals or so. He has provided some highlights in his short tenure with the CBJ and it wouldn’t shock me if he comes in and provides more. The Jackets can use him at any position, he’s played both wings as well as center.
Texier is a kid you can just root for and it wouldn’t shock me if he comes in and scores 20 goals. He played well under Ex-coach John Tortorella, and with presumed coach Mike Babcock coming in, Texier could slot right in and continue that trend. Babcock prefers skill, rather than brute force, and Texier fits that mold. He has slick hands, and routinely wins some tough puck battles with those hands. Let's not forget this beauty, that he's done not once, but twice in his career.
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Both the team and fans are excited to see Alexandre Texier come back to Columbus and play. What are your expectations for his return?