What Should Don Waddell Do With Alexandre Texier?

What are the Columbus Blue Jackets going to do with Alex Texier?

Texier's name is always an afterthought when people start talking about the RFAs that the Jackets need to sign this summer and who they should let walk. Many believe his time in Columbus is up, as he hasn't proved to be the superstar that former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen thought he would be. But is this the truth?

In all fairness to Texier, he's never been allowed to show his worth. Under John Tortorella, he played two seasons, but those seasons were a bit weird. In the 19-20 season, he suffered a lumbar stress fracture that essentially ended his season after 36 games. Just a couple of months later the season was canceled due to Covid. And in the 20-21 season, he did play in 49 of the 56-game shortened season. He barely played a full season combined in his first two NHL seasons.

The 21-22 saw him again on the shelf for an extended period when he suffered a finger injury in January 2022. He would only play in 36 games that season, netting 20 points. 

After missing a full NHL season due to personal reasons, Texier returned to North America for the 23-24 season, but this time he only missed four games. He started slow but ended up having a career year. 

Some of the personal bests he set were: Games Played(78), Goals(12), Assists(18), Points(30), PP Goals(2), SH Goals(2), Shots(109), and PIM(38). 

Texier was played a lot on the PK, and he seemed to shine in that role, scoring shorthanded goals on back-to-back nights in Calgary and Vancouver. He also played with Alex Nylander at the start of his tenure in Columbus. After they were paired together, Texier had points in five straight games. Head Coach Pascal Vincent took a lot of heat last season, but his deployment of Texier seemed to be perfect.

So the burning question is will the Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign Alexandre Texier?

His expiring contract had him at $1.52 million per season. If the Jackets give him a qualifying offer, it must be at least $1.75 million. He can also be given a two-way contract if they feel it's warranted. Would Don Waddell simply give him the qualifying offer, or would he give him a raise and sign him for a few years? Will he try to sign him at all?

One thing is for sure, Texier's numbers have been getting better every year. But is he anything other than a third or fourth-line winger who's good at killing penalties? Has the 24-year-old Frenchman reached his ceiling? Many think yes, and others think no.

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

More From THN Columbus