Canadiens Sign Forward Texier to One-Year Deal

The Montreal Canadiens bolstered their depleted forward ranks on Sunday by signing unrestricted free agent Alexandre Texier to a one-year contract worth $1 million in average annual value, prorated for the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old French forward cleared unconditional waivers from the St. Louis Blues earlier in the day, leading to a mutual contract termination that freed him to join a new team.

Texier, a native of Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France, becomes the latest addition to Montreal's roster amid a rash of injuries that have strained their center and wing depth. Key absences include Kirby Dach, sidelined four to six weeks with a fractured foot; Alex Newhook, recovering from ankle surgery; Patrik Laine; and defenseman Kaiden Guhle. The move provides head coach Martin St. Louis with another option down the middle or on the wing, particularly as a left-handed center, though Texier has primarily played as a winger in recent seasons. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Texier weighed offers from multiple teams but opted for the Canadiens despite potentially higher financial proposals elsewhere, drawn by the opportunity for consistent NHL ice time.