The 2024 offseason was one of chances taken by the St. Louis Blues. Along with signing two former Edmonton Oilers players to offer sheets, they traded for a restricted free agent from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blues gave up a fourth-round pick for Alexandre Texier last offseason and subsequently signed him to a two-year contract extension with a $2.1 million cap hit. The 24-year-old forward was coming off a season in which he put up career highs in goals (12), assists (18), and points (30) in 78 games played.
Texier played in just 31 games for the Blues last season, though, with six goals and five assists for 11 points while averaging a career-low 12:29 per contest. He did not play in the majority of the Blues games last season, 51 to be exact, due to both injuries as well as being a healthy scratch.
Can Texier crack the lineup?
The 25-year-old forward is in an interesting position heading into training camp next month. With the free-agent additions of Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad, along with the growth of Jimmy Snuggerud and the possibility of Justin Carbonneau making the roster, Texier sure seems like the odd man out.
Texier has some upside as a second-round pick (45th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft, but he has just 90 points in 232 career games. He also doesn't seem to be in the Blues' future plans, given his usage and the team's moves this offseason.
Would Texier clear waivers?
Some time in the AHL would likely be best for Texier, but it's unclear if he would clear waivers ahead of the upcoming season.
Texier can play either wing and has decent size at 6-foot-1 as a left-handed shot. With one year left on his deal and a $2.1 million cap hit, there is a chance that a team would take a shot on him on waivers. However, the Blues may be able to sneak him through the wire with other teams around the league more focused on their own internal battles in training camp.