Alexandre Texier has been making headlines with his recent performance in hockey. Since joining the Montreal Canadiens, he has scored two goals and earned three points in the last three games. His standout performance came against the Edmonton Oilers, where he showcased his skills with a crucial goal that helped stabilize the game.
Alexandre Texier’s Impressive Performance
During the match against the Oilers, Texier recorded five shots on goal, marking a personal season high. His scoring has provided a much-needed boost to the Canadiens, especially against a talented opponent like Connor McDavid.
Background and Player Comparison
Despite his recent success, it’s important to note that Texier has been a marginal player in the NHL. His career average production is below half a point per game. However, the change in environment seems to be beneficial for him.
Upon joining the Canadiens, management, including Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, likely hoped that he would become a comparable player to Alex Newhook. While he may not be an exact match, signs of his potential are starting to emerge.
Historical Context: Paul Byron Comparison
Texier’s situation evokes memories of Paul Byron’s acquisition by the Canadiens in 2015. Byron, who was left unprotected by the Calgary Flames, eventually became a key player in Montreal, participating in 383 games over seven seasons. Will Texier follow a similar path? The future remains uncertain, especially with strong prospects emerging in the organization.
Current Role and Adaptation
Coach Martin St-Louis has successfully integrated Texier into the team, pairing him with Jake Evans and Josh Anderson. This combination helps maintain stability amid team injuries and allows other key lines, like Suzuki-Caufield-Bolduc and Kapanen-Demidov-Slafkovski, to remain intact.
As the Canadiens wait for Kirby Dach’s return and possibly consider trade options, Texier represents a strategic addition for the Gorton and Hughes duo. Though he might not be a star player yet, it is promising to see him celebrate goals in front of passionate fans at the Bell Centre.
