9 teams showing interest in Alexander Texier after waivers

Alexander Texier’s time in St. Louis Blues has come to an end. St.Louis placed the 26-year-old forward on unconditional waivers Saturday, a move that came a day after he cleared regular waivers and was traded to the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds. The move ends Texier’s final season under his two-year, $2.1 million-a-year contract. who signed with the Blues in June 2024 after his rights were traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

With Texier now set to become an unrestricted free agent, multiple teams have expressed interest in his services. Nine NHL teams have expressed interest, but the decision is narrowing down to two Eastern Conference clubs, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

Dan Milstein, Tequier’s agent, will hold discussions with two teams on Sunday when Texier officially becomes a free agent, Lebrun says.

The Montreal Canadiens appear to be leading the way as the Canadiens look to fill out their center depth following injuries to Kirby Dach (fractured foot) and Alex Newhook (ankle surgery). While Texier isn’t a natural faceoff specialist, his speed, playmaking ability and left-handed shooting could provide Montreal with a flexible option in the middle or on the wing.

Montreal could potentially complete the deal as early as Sunday at 2pm ET, offering a fresh start for the French forward after a challenging start to the season.

Texi’s 2025-26 campaign got off to a slow start, appearing in just eight of St. Louis’ first 21 games. On October 13, he recorded one assist against the Vancouver Canucks, with an even plus/minus and two penalty minutes. His average ice time of 10:15 was the lowest of his seven-year NHL career. This followed a 2024–25 season in which he played just 31 regular season games, scoring six goals and collecting five assists for 11 points, and appeared in three of the Blues’ seven playoff games against the Winnipeg Jets, adding one assist.

In more than 240 career NHL games split between Columbus and St. Louis, Texier has recorded 40 goals, 51 assists, 91 points and 94 penalty minutes, along with eight points in 21 postseason contests.