Alexandre Texier has gone from unwanted to a key contributor for the Canadiens

From castaway to key contributor, Alexandre Texier has filled a major gap in the Montreal Canadiens' lineup since his arrival.

Following his release from the St. Louis Blues, the Canadiens quickly swooped in and signed the French native to a one-year, $1,000,000 contract. The hope was that Texier would fill holes in the bottom six caused by all the injuries the Canadiens have dealt with this season. Through just 13 games with the Canadiens, Texier has impressed and could be playing his way into a role with the team for the remainder of the season.

Has Texier found a home with the Canadiens?

Texier has been open about how much being in Montreal has helped his game, and although the numbers don't jump off the screen, his play has become increasingly valuable to the Canadiens.

"When I feel good off the ice usually I play some good hockey. "That's how I feel right now," Texier said.

He also added that having his mother alongside him in Montreal has made both of them much more comfortable. Texier's comfort level and newfound confidence have indeed translated to on-ice results. His underlying numbers tell the story of a player who is trending in the right direction and earning the trust of his coaches.

When Texier arrived in Montreal, he was given clarity and not asked to do too much, just to play his game. The Canadiens slotted him into a middle-six role, leaned on his two-way ability, and allowed him to play within structure rather than chase production. The results have followed. In his 13 games with the Canadiens, Texier has posted a 51.4% Corsi at 5-on-5, along with a +3.1 relative Corsi, meaning the Canadiens control play more effectively when he’s on the ice.

What stands out most is his usage. Texier’s 48.5% offensive-zone start rate reflects trust from the coaching staff. He isn’t being sheltered, nor is he being buried in defensive-only assignments. Instead, he’s being used in balanced situations, a clear sign that the Canadiens value his ability to move the puck and stabilize play, not just for his raw talent when the puck is on his stick.

Texier has also recorded three goals and three assists with the Canadiens, providing much-needed depth scoring for the team's thin roster. While his raw scoring totals remain modest, his on-ice involvement has increased, particularly in transition play and puck retrievals. These efforts don’t always show up on the scoresheet.

For the Canadiens, Texier has gone from a low-risk signing to a legitimate contributor in their middle six. He helps tilt the ice, control possession, and provide reliable minutes without forcing the coaching staff to protect him.

Texier’s resurgence is a reminder that fit still matters in the NHL. In Montreal, he’s found the right role, the right environment, and, most importantly, the confidence to play good hockey again. In the process, an unwanted free agent has become a meaningful part of the Canadiens’ lineup.