Montreal Canadiens
Intended Short-Term Texier Fix Is Now a Key Canadiens Win
The Canadiens signed Alexandre Texier as a short-term injury fix. Now, his breakout play has changed Montreal’s trade plans entirely.
What started as a short-term patch for the Montreal Canadiens has turned into one of the organization’s smartest bets of the season.
When Alexandre Texier signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Habs on Nov. 23, the plan was simple — and temporary. Injuries had ravaged the lineup, Montreal needed bodies, and Texier represented a low-risk flyer. After having his contract terminated by the St. Louis Blues, he was simply looking for an opportunity, one that the Canadiens presented. Internally, the expectation was that if he played well enough, the Canadiens could flip him at the March 6 trade deadline once the roster got healthy.
Instead, Texier forced a rethink.
Pierre LeBrun described the move as a “really low-risk, smart gamble,” and it’s hard to argue otherwise. Texier has been everything the Canadiens could have asked for and more. With seven goals and 16 points in 25 games, including time on the top line, he quickly became more than deadline bait.
He’s made the most of elevated playing time, putting up three-point performances and a hat trick, and it pushed Montreal to lock him in with a two-year extension worth $2.5 million annually.
The Texier Deal Feels Like A Safe Bet
This is the kind of deal that gives the Canadiens options. The term matters because it doesn’t lock Montreal in if this current burst is temporary. If Texier continues to play well, he’s still trade bait, he’s a nice fit in the short-term and the Canadiens will have time to discover if a larger investment is needed.
And, while he’s with the Habs, they can push him up and down the lineup, without his new salary being a point of debate. The Canadiens opted for two years, limiting risk while preserving flexibility. Even if Texier eventually slides into a bottom-six role, the cap hit is manageable. And, as LeBrun points out, if things truly fall apart, the contract is buriable.
Montreal’s strong play since Texier arrived — a 14-7-4 record — only strengthens the case.
What was once a desperation signing now looks like found money — and a gamble Montreal was happy to cash in on.
Next: Bruins Assembling Big Trade Offer For Rasmus Andersson
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