Blue Jackets’ Alexandre Texier to return to NHL after playing in Europe

ALEXANDRE TEXIER is BACK with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2023-24 season! 🔥

On Wednesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that French center Alexandre Texier would return to join the team in the upcoming NHL season. He was absent during the 2022-23 season as he decided to play in Europe for personal reasons.

Texier had previously played for Zurich in the Swiss National League with the permission of the Blue Jackets. The contract he signed with Columbus in July 2021 — worth $1.75 million — will be in effect for the 2023-24 season.

Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekäläinen spoke highly of Texier, describing him as an exceptional young player who is a crucial part of the team.

Kekäläinen also said that Texier’s well-being has been their primary concern and they are thrilled that he is ready to resume his “promising NHL career at this time.”

The GM explained that Columbus highly values Texier’s versatility as he can contribute in multiple areas, such as penalty-killing and power play. Kekäläinen believed Texier’s return would be beneficial for the team — as his skillset provides coaches with many options to consider

The Finish exec also highlighted that the 23-year-old would increase the competition among the team’s forwards for ice time.

Texier took personal time

At the recommendation of the substance abuse and behavioral health program of the NHL/NHLPA, Texier took a break from playing for Columbus last year.

The 2017 Jean-Pierre Graff Trophy winner previously mentioned that he was going through some personal issues and decided he wanted to be close to his family. In March 2022, the club granted him a leave of absence after he sustained a fractured finger that sidelined him.

Before taking a break last year, he performed exceptionally well in the NHL and was on track to achieve his career-best stats with 11 goals, nine assists and 20 points in 36 games.

Texier is set to represent France in the upcoming men’s world championships in Tampere, Finland and Riga, Latvia, next month.