The Columbus Blue Jackets will be without the services of forward Alexandre Texier for the entire 2022-2023 season due to a family matter. Per Aaron Portzline of the Athletic:
#CBJ Alexandre Texier statement:
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 24, 2022
"During the past year, I have experienced some personal issues and challenges and I feel I need to be close to my family at this time. I have love and respect for the city of Columbus, the Blue Jackets, and the fans as everyone has always ... 1/2
Texier continued:
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 24, 2022
"... treated me first-class. I truly appreciate the support, help and empathy I have received from team management, the coaching staff, doctors, trainers and my teammates. This was a hard decision, but it is the best one for me right now."
2/2
As a result of the matter and commitment to family and income, Texier has signed a one year deal in the Swiss league for the time being, differing his final year of contract with the Columbus organization to 2023-2024, where he will be a restricted free agent.
Texier is a second round pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, originally a draft pick acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in the expansion draft. The Vegas Golden Knights obtained the pick in the expansion draft by agreeing to take defenseman Jason Garrison (retired) along with the rights to winger Nikita Gusev (KHL). In return for the pick, Columbus gave up winger Keegan Kolesar, who was with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL in his second year of development.
Texier’s family resides in the outskirts of Grenoble, France; famously known by some as the home of former WWF star legend Andre the Giant.
Texier’s departure is a blow for the Blue Jackets, as they have know lost his offense alongside Oliver Bjorkstrand. Secondary scoring is getting to be more of a development as the rookies and prospects are unproven internally.
The loss also answers my question from last blog, “22 Questions for the 2022 Columbus Blue Jackets.… We do not see Texier leave the organization, but his absence does leave a middle six role open for the taking by a prospect or veteran.
Without Texier, here is how the lineup is projected to look for the season:
Gaudreau—Sillinger—Laine Voracek—Roslovic—Nyquist Johnson—Jenner—Marchenko Robinson—Kuraly—Chinakov
Do we see Columbus general manger Jarmo Kekalainen make a move off this?
Do not expect the organization to panic. The development and replacements will come internally.
What are your thoughts on the loss of Texier for the year?
More to come…