When Elliotte Friedman speaks, the hockey world listens. The latest buzz from the NHL insider suggests a fascinating, albeit puzzling, scenario developing in St. Louis that could land directly on Kent Hughes’ doorstep in Montreal. Reports indicate that Alexandre Texier, currently with the St. Louis Blues, may be considering terminating his contract.
Why does this matter for the Montreal Canadiens? Friedman explicitly wondered if the 26-year-old Frenchman would be a fit for the Habs. This isn’t just a standard trade rumor; it’s a potential “found wallet” situation. If Texier hits the open market or is available for pennies on the dollar, he represents exactly the kind of low-risk, high-reward asset Montreal has targeted during their rebuild. But with the Habs needing center depth and Texier struggling to stay in the lineup, is this a match made in heaven or a desperate reach?
Analyzing the Fit: Why Texier and Montreal Make Sense
As an analyst watching this rebuild unfold, I see the logic immediately. The Canadiens are currently decimated by injuries. While they are desperate for help down the middle, the reality of the NHL trade market is that top-tier centers aren’t free in November.
Texier offers versatility. Although primarily a winger, he has experience at center and brings a skill set that tantalized scouts back in his Columbus days. In 240 NHL games, he has posted 91 points—modest production, but his flashes of brilliance suggest there is more in the tank.
From a personal insight perspective, this feels like the perfect “Kent Hughes Special.” Remember the Sean Monahan deal? Hughes loves acquiring distressed assets with upside. Texier is on a $2.1 million cap hit, which is manageable. If the Blues are looking to facilitate a move just to clear the roster spot or the headache, Montreal offers a landing spot where Texier can speak his native language and play with a Stanley Cup contending team.
However, we have to ask why he is terminating his contract. Is it a desire to return to Europe? If he wants to stay in the NHL, Montreal is the most logical destination. The “French Connection” is often overplayed in media, but for a player struggling with confidence or fit, landing in a market that embraces him could be the spark plug he needs.
The Canadiens need bodies, and they need talent. Texier has the talent. If the cost is essentially nothing but cap space, I say you make that call every day of the week.
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