Alex Texier was waived, ignored, and written off, now he's forcing Kent Hughes to consider an extension
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Two months ago, Alexandre Texier was of interest to no one in the NHL. In mid-November 2025, the St. Louis Blues shopped him around, and no one was willing to pay even a seventh-round pick.
On November 20, Doug Armstrong opted for waivers.
The next day, Texier wasn't even claimed, despite carrying a 2.1 million contract for 2025-2026.
On November 22, the situation took another turn when the contract was terminated, and Texier became a free agent.
On November 23, Kent Hughes jumped at the opportunity, and the French forward accepted a one-year, 1 million contract.
That's a 1.1 million pay cut, but it was the price to stay in the NHL.
Upon his arrival, he didn't even play his first game, stuck with the injured players upstairs.
Then Martin St-Louis gave him a real opportunity, and Texier responded in a big way, especially this week at the Bell Centre. He recorded six points in just over 24 hours, including four goals, with back-to-back three-point games.
The Montreal Canadiens must offer Alexandre Texier a new contract
On Thursday, he capped it off with the first hat trick of his career, and the building erupted.
Since joining the team, he has totaled 14 points in 22 games, with a +6 differential.
He also had the luxury of complementing Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the top line, which changes everything in the public's perception.
The question is now simple: should the Canadiens already offer him a new contract?
In July, Texier will become a restricted free agent, and his camp will inevitably look at the numbers.
But a few games don't make a career, and Montreal has already learned that lesson more than once.
As the excellent Maxime Truman (DLC) points out, I would target a short, realistic extension that works for everyone.
Something like two years around $1.5 million, maybe up to $1.75 million.
You keep a useful player without losing your head, and you keep the door open if things need to be adjusted later.
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
A smart offensive acquisition by Kent Hughes is starting to pay off for the Canadiens
A smart offensive acquisition by Kent Hughes is starting to pay off for the Canadiens
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 1228 ANSWERS Alex Texier was waived, ignored, and written off, now he's forcing Kent Hughes to consider an extension Should Kent Hughes extend Alexandre Texier right now? | ||
| Yes, 2 years $1.5 M per year | 715 | 58.2 % |
| No | 112 | 9.1 % |
| Too early | 401 | 32.7 % |
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