The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Alexandre Texier to a one-year, $1 million contract following the termination of his deal with the St. Louis Blues. Texier, a 26-year-old unrestricted free agent after clearing unconditional waivers, brings 240 games of NHL experience to a Canadiens team dealing with injuries. The signing was announced on November 23, 2025, alongside the recall of defenseman Adam Engstrom from the Laval Rocket.
Alexandre Texier became an unrestricted free agent on November 23, 2025, after the St. Louis Blues terminated his contract, which had one year remaining at $2.1 million. The 26-year-old French forward, drafted 45th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2017, had appeared in eight games with the Blues this season, recording one assist and averaging 10:15 of ice time per game. His most recent NHL appearance was on November 6 against the Buffalo Sabres, after which he was assigned to the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds.
Over parts of two seasons with the Blues, Texier tallied 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 39 games. In his career, spanning five seasons with the Blue Jackets and Blues, he has amassed 91 points (40 goals, 51 assists) in 240 regular-season games, along with eight points (two goals, six assists) in 21 playoff contests. Texier also represented France at five IIHF World Championships, posting 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 32 games.
The Canadiens, facing injuries to forwards like Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, and Kirby Dach, viewed the signing as a low-risk addition of a versatile player who can fill multiple forward positions. A Western Conference executive described Texier as "a versatile, checking/energy-style player with some complementary skill and sense to elevate up your lineup when needed." The 6-foot-1, 196-pound forward spent the 2022-23 season on loan with the ZSC Lions in Switzerland's National League.
In a related move, the Canadiens recalled 22-year-old defenseman Adam Engstrom from the Laval Rocket, where he leads all Rocket blue-liners with 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 18 games. Texier could debut with Montreal on November 26 against the Utah Mammoth, as the team embarks on a road trip through Utah, Las Vegas, and Colorado.
