January 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\nThe 26-year-old started the season with the St. Louis Blues, but after a slow start that saw the native of France register just one assist in eight games, the team terminated his contract, making him a free agent. Texier signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Canadiens in November.<\/p>\n
Since arriving in Montreal, Texier has played well, recording seven goals and 16 points in 25 games.<\/p>\n
The seven-year NHL veteran, whom the Columbus Blue Jackets drafted with the 45th pick in the 2017 draft, has 47 goals and 107 points in 265 career games.<\/p>\n
Why Canadiens made the move now<\/p>\n
Since being placed at right wing of the Canadiens\u2019 top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, Texier has produced four goals and six assists in eight games. However, that\u2019s not necessarily why the Canadiens were quick to settle this contract, because Texier is not likely to be a long-term fit on that line, or even be a part of the Canadiens\u2019 top-six.<\/p>\n
It is the fact that Texier can fill that role in a pinch that makes him an interesting player for the Canadiens. That is made possible by the fact that Texier fits the way the Canadiens play, apparently much better than he fit the style in St. Louis. He has also recently entered the penalty-killing rotation and has played on both power-play units.<\/p>\n
At $2.5 million a year, the versatility and stylistic fit make for a decent value signing for the Canadiens.<\/p>\n
The timing is a bit curious, but if Texier got a more permanent foothold on that top line \u2014 even after the return from injury of players like Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine \u2014 and produced there the rest of the season, he might have priced himself out of this range which, under the rising cap environment, is roughly market value for a bottom-six forward.<\/p>\n
It might even be a bit below market value for a player who can do as many things as Texier can.<\/p>\n
While the usage and production lately have been interesting, it would be wrong to view this signing solely through that lens. This is a role-playing, versatility-based signing of a useful player who is very happy to be in Montreal, and that happiness is showing on the ice.<\/p>\n