It seems there might be some confusion in your statement. Alexandre Texier has indeed been traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the St. Louis Blues, and subsequently, the Blues have signed him to a new contract. Texier was a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration eligibility before the trade.
The reported details of the deal are a two-year contract worth $2.1 million in annual average value (AAV). This move allows General Manager Don Waddell of the Blue Jackets to facilitate the trade and enable the Blues to secure Texier’s services.
French forward Alexandre Texier has signed with the St. Louis Blues. Texier, one of only three current natives of France playing in the NHL, was drafted 45th overall by Columbus in 2017. Now 24 years old, he boasts four years of NHL experience, accumulating 79 points over 201 games.
During the 2023-24 season, Texier recorded career-highs with 12 goals, 18 assists, and 30 points in 78 games, averaging 15:11 of ice time per game. Impressively, he also notched a career-high 38 penalty minutes. Whether it was a contract season or not, Texier showcased his potential, enhancing his value heading into free agency.
Texier’s arrival adds valuable skills to the Blues’ lineup as they aim to foster development and success, reminiscent of his tenure in Columbus.
In Columbus, Don Waddell’s move to trade an expiring contract for a fourth-round pick reflects his strategy to accumulate assets and build for the future. While a fourth-round pick may not seem significant on its own, it adds to the team’s resources and flexibility in roster management and potential future trades.
The Blue Jackets are focusing on developing young talent like Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko, all of whom represent promising prospects with high potential. By acquiring additional draft assets, Waddell aims to enhance the team’s depth and competitiveness in the long term, aligning with their strategy of building around youthful skill and potential.
Alexandre Texier brings several valuable attributes to the Blues’ forward group. As a depth forward who plays center, Texier contributes as a solid two-way player. His ability to excel in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game makes him a versatile asset on the ice.
Texier, still relatively young at 24 years old, aligns well with the development timeline of the Blues’ roster. This new contract extension provides him with stability and an opportunity to further refine his skills and contribute consistently. Two-way forwards like Texier often continue to evolve over time, benefiting from increased experience and responsibilities.
With his signing, the Blues can expect Texier to bolster their forward depth and contribute to their goal of becoming a more formidable offensive team and playoff contender in the coming years. His versatility and commitment to both ends of the ice make him a valuable piece in their lineup moving forward.