Full Breakdown
Montreal Canadiens Extend Contract with Alexandre Texier
1/15/2026, 11:54:45 AM
Contract Details and Performance Overview
On January 14, 2026, Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced a two-year contract extension for forward Alexandre Texier, covering the 2026-27 to 2027-28 seasons, with an average annual value of $2.5 million. Texier, who has played 25 games this season, has recorded seven goals and nine assists. Prior to joining the Canadiens as a free agent on November 23, 2025, he had one assist in eight games with the St. Louis Blues. Notably, Texier achieved his first career NHL hat trick on January 8, 2026, against the Florida Panthers.
Since his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season, Texier has accumulated 107 points (47 goals, 60 assists) and 102 penalty minutes over 265 career games. He has also participated in 21 playoff games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Blues, scoring two goals and providing six assists. Texier has represented France in five IIHF World Championships, totaling 32 games and 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists), and is set to compete in the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026.
Background and Context
Texier was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round (45th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft. His early career showed promise, with a notable performance in the AHL, where he recorded seven points in seven games with the Cleveland Monsters in the 2018-19 season. However, his production dipped during the 2025 season with St. Louis, where he managed only 11 points in 31 games.
Official Statements & Responses
Hughes expressed confidence in Texier's potential, stating that the extension reflects the Canadiens' belief in his abilities. Texier's agent, Dan Milstein, highlighted that despite receiving more lucrative offers, Texier and his team felt that the Canadiens presented the best opportunity for his career development.
Criticism & Opposition
While the contract extension has been generally well-received, some analysts note that Texier's inconsistent performance in the previous season raises questions about the long-term value of the investment. Critics argue that the Canadiens should be cautious in committing to a player whose production has fluctuated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Congratulations to our client Alexandre Texier on signing a two-year contract extension at $2.5 million per season with the Montreal Canadiens.” — Dan Milstein, Agent
- “The current extension shows that the Montreal Canadiens believe they've found what they were looking for.” — Gabriel Sami, Sports Journalist
What's Next
As Texier prepares for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games, his performance with the Canadiens will be closely monitored, particularly as he aims to solidify his role within the team and improve upon his previous season's statistics. The Canadiens will look to leverage Texier's skills to enhance their competitive edge in the NHL.
