Alexandre Texier entered his second “full” NHL season with expectations set high yet again. After an injury shortened rookie campaign, Tex returned in time for the playoffs and found himself on the top line, where he appeared to fit right in and play a very effective game. It seemed clear to us all that he’d continue his upward trajectory and become a key contributor to the team with an increased role.
Unfortunately, that was not the case for more than a few reasons. A hot start fizzled out into drawn-out stretches of ineffectiveness for the remainder of the season. Torts’ Line blender, learning to be a full time center, and an overall dysfunctional team in a very weird year are enough reason for me to give him a pass this year. He’s still just 21 years old. No reason to worry just yet.
It was a tough season for the kid, but I have no doubts he will come back much better because of it. With the recent (and future) departures, Texier now appears to be an even bigger piece of the new core. Entering next season with year of experience at the center ice position to learn from and build upon, I am confident cautiously optimistic in declaring 2021-22 his breakout year.
Alexandre Texier 2021 Stats
Games Played: 49
Goals: 4
Assists: 11
Points: 15
Plus/Minus: -13
PIM: 22
5v5 CF%: 46.5
5v5 FF%: 46.3
Contract Status
Texier just finished the final year of his entry-level deal and is due for a new contract. History suggests that he will be offered a bridge contract that will include a modest raise, which makes the most sense for both team and player at this point. However, this could be an opportunity to lock up a talented young player at a very reasonable cap hit and gamble a bit on his continued improvement over the next few years.
This one shouldn’t be too hard of a contract, but you never know with this team.
My guess: 2yr/$6m
High Point
Texier started the year on fire, and was easily the team’s best center. In his first seven games of the year, Texier had six points (4G 2A), including goals in three straight games. The young forward was oozing confidence and appeared to be taking that next step in his development as a full-time top 6 forward.
He also won a game with this move:
Low Point
Texier was far too inconsistent this year. After his hot start mentioned above, Tex did not score another goal and only posted nine more assists. He had two stretches of 10+ games without a point (Feb 11 – Mar 6 and April 12 – May 3). He was even left on the taxi squad for a couple games after recovering from an illness. Torts had this to say about Texier:
#CBJ coach John Tortorella, asked for an update on taxi squad member Alexandre Texier, didn’t hold back: pic.twitter.com/Do8yUa7fAU
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 26, 2021
Report Card
How would you grade Alexandre Texier’s season?
| A | 2 |
| B | 6 |
| C | 41 |
| D | 42 |
| F | 5 |