Alexandre Texier Contract Termination: What Happened

Few NHL stories leave as many unanswered questions as a contract terminated for “personal reasons” — and that’s exactly what happened with Alexandre Texier. Here’s what we’ve pieced together about the French forward’s career, the circumstances of his termination, and what might lie ahead.

Age: 26 (born 13 September 1999) ·
Position: Forward (Left Wing) ·
NHL Draft: 45th overall, 2nd round, 2017 (Columbus Blue Jackets) ·
Current Team: Montreal Canadiens ·
Last Contract Value: 2-year, $4.2 million (terminated 2024) ·
Nationality: French

Here are the key biographical and career details for Alexandre Texier.

What happened to Alex Texier?

Contract termination by the St. Louis Blues

• Texier’s contract with the Blues was terminated in 2024 after he refused to report to the AHL affiliate in Springfield (Pro Hockey Rumors (NHL trade & contract tracker)).
• He was placed on unconditional waivers, cleared, and became an unrestricted free agent (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).

Personal reasons cited by the team

• The Blues and Texier mutually agreed to part ways, with the team citing “personal reasons” in the official announcement (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).
• Reportedly, Texier had struggled with personal or family matters that affected his ability to play (YouTube (player interview clip)).

Subsequent signing with the Montreal Canadiens

• After the termination, Texier signed a two-year contract extension with Montreal, keeping him through the 2027-28 season (NHL.com (official league site)).
• In an interview, Texier said Montreal was his “first option” and that he sees himself as part of a “young team that plays fast” (YouTube (player interview clip)).

Texier’s move to Montreal marks a fresh start after a turbulent exit from St. Louis.

Why did the Blues terminate the Texier contract?

Official team statement

• The Blues announced that the termination was mutual and related to “personal circumstances” (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).
• No further details were provided by the organization.

Player’s reported mental health or family issues

• Sources indicate that Texier was dealing with off-ice challenges, though specifics remain private (YouTube (player interview clip)).
• Texier himself stated he left St. Louis to “pursue more NHL opportunities,” implying the decision was career-driven rather than health-related (YouTube (player interview clip)).

Impact on St. Louis Blues roster and cap space

• By terminating the contract, the Blues removed the remaining $2.1 million cap hit from their books (PuckPedia (NHL salary cap tracker)).
• This gave St. Louis added flexibility heading into the 2024-25 season.

The pattern: when a player refuses assignment to the minors, the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement gives the team the option to terminate. St. Louis exercised that option, and Texier got his freedom.

Is Alexandre Texier any good?

NHL career stats and production

• In 240 NHL games across St. Louis and Columbus, Texier has 91 points (23 goals, 31 assists) (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).
• His best season came in 2021-22 with Columbus, when he scored 20 points in 53 games.

Strengths and weaknesses as a forward

• Scouts praise his puck-handling and two-way play but note a lack of finishing consistency (Pro Hockey Rumors (NHL trade & contract tracker)).
• He averaged just 10:15 of ice time per game with St. Louis, indicating he was not a top-six fixture (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).

Comparisons to similar NHL players

• Texier’s production rate (~0.38 points per game) places him in the lower-middle tier of NHL forwards.
• He is often compared to other European forwards who transitioned from European leagues but struggled to secure a permanent top-nine role.

Texier remains a player with potential, but his production must improve to secure a permanent roster spot.

What is Alexandre Texier’s salary?

Details of the terminated Blues contract

• The contract was a two-year, $4.2 million deal signed in June 2024, with an annual cap hit of $2.1 million (Pro Hockey Rumors (NHL trade & contract tracker)).
• The contract was terminated before Texier received the full value; actual cash paid is not publicly disclosed.

Cap hit and actual cash payments

• PuckPedia lists the contract as expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season (PuckPedia (NHL salary cap tracker)).
• Because the termination occurred before the second year, the Blues may have owed a buyout or settlement, though terms are private.

Current deal with Montreal Canadiens

• The Canadiens announced a two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season (NHL.com (official league site)).
• Financial terms were not disclosed by the team.

The catch: Texier traded a guaranteed $4.2 million in St. Louis for a fresh start in Montreal, but the new deal is likely less lucrative given his termination status.

What is Alexandre Texier’s career background?

Early career in France and Ligue Magnus

• Texier played for Grenoble in France’s Ligue Magnus, winning the French Cup (Pro Hockey Rumors (NHL trade & contract tracker)).
• He was the first player in NHL history drafted directly from France’s Ligue Magnus (Pro Hockey Rumors (NHL trade & contract tracker)).

Draft and development by Columbus Blue Jackets

• Selected 45th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).
• Made his NHL debut in 2019-20 and spent four seasons with Columbus.

Trade to St. Louis and early performance

• In October 2023, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues for a conditional 2024 draft pick (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).
• With the Blues, he played only eight games, recording one assist and averaging limited ice time (Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)).

Contract termination and move to Montreal Canadiens

• After refusing assignment to the AHL, the Blues terminated his contract — a move that surprised many given the team’s investment (Pro Hockey Rumors (NHL trade & contract tracker)).
• He quickly signed with Montreal, where he expressed excitement about joining a young, fast team (YouTube (player interview clip)).

Texier’s journey from French hockey to the NHL is remarkable, but his future depends on consistency.

Timeline of key events

The following timeline traces his career from birth to his Montreal signing.

The pattern: from draft pick to termination in seven years — a timeline that shows how quickly an NHL career can change direction.

“They’re a young team that plays fast. They gave me a chance. I’m here to play hockey.”

— Alexandre Texier, via YouTube (player interview)

“The contract termination was mutually agreed upon due to personal reasons.”

— St. Louis Blues official statement, reported by Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster)

“Montreal is a great fit for his skill set. We look forward to integrating him into our lineup.”

— Montreal Canadiens management, via NHL.com (official league site)

For a player who once seemed on the verge of a solid NHL career, Texier’s path now depends on whether he can earn a consistent spot in Montreal’s top nine. If his puck skills translate into production, the Canadiens will have landed a bargain. If not, the St. Louis episode may define his legacy: a talented forward who walked away from a guaranteed contract.

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