Gamble Pays Off: Canadiens Cash In on Texier
Sometimes a gamble works out better than you expect. Take Alexandre Texier. Signed by the Montreal Canadiens less than two months ago on a one-year, $1 million deal, he was supposed to be a stopgap—a quick fix while injuries piled up. A flyer, really, a bet that maybe he could help the team get through a rough patch.
When Texier Came to the Canadiens, He Had Something to Prove
Texier came to Montreal after the St. Louis Blues let him go, arriving as a free agent with something to prove. Montreal’s thinking was simple: if he performs, great; if the team gets healthy again, maybe he gets flipped at the March 6 trade deadline. Either way, the financial risk was low, and the upside was high.
Well, Texier hasn’t just held up his end. Seven goals and 16 points in 25 games—and now skating on Montreal’s top line—have made the front office take a second look. He’s not just a temporary patch anymore; he’s a real contributor. His play gives the Canadiens depth and flexibility, and suddenly that one-year experiment looks a lot smarter than a band-aid.
Texier Signed a Two-Year Extension with the Canadiens
The payoff? A two-year, $2.5 million-per-year extension was announced on Wednesday. It’s a safe move: Montreal isn’t overcommitting, and if Texier falters, the contract isn’t crushing. They debated a three-year. term, but two keep the risk in check while making sure Texier stays motivated.
Part of what makes Texier so valuable is his mindset. He adapts. Top line, middle six, penalty kill—you name it, he fits in. That kind of flexibility is rare, and the Canadiens clearly see it. They’re not just signing numbers—they’re locking in a player who buys in, plays hard, and can grow with the team.
What Began as a Gamble for Montreal Turned into a Steal
What started as a small gamble is turning into something more. Montreal rolled the dice on Texier, and so far, it’s paying off. Sometimes it’s not about big splashes or blockbuster trades—it’s about seeing promise where others see risk. Texier’s extension is a reminder that a calculated gamble can go from a short-term fix to a real piece of the puzzle.