Alexandre Texier Bio
Alexandre Texier is a French professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on 13 September 1999 in Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France, Texier has established himself as one of the most prominent French players in NHL history, becoming the first player from France to reach 100 career NHL points during the 2025-26 season. Selected 45th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Texier has also played for the St. Louis Blues while maintaining a significant international career representing France at multiple levels.
Early Life and Background
Alexandre Texier grew up in Grenoble, France, where he began playing hockey for Brûleurs de Loups, the same club his father Fabrice Texier had represented from 1989 to 1992 during his professional career. Fabrice, who played four games in the QMJHL with the Laval Titan during the 1986-87 season before spending the rest of his career in France, introduced his son to hockey at a young age and served as a foundational influence on Alexandre’s development as a player.
Raised in the hockey-rich region of southeastern France, Texier developed his skills within the French development system, progressing through youth ranks before earning a spot on the Brûleurs de Loups senior team in the Ligue Magnus, France’s top professional hockey league. His upbringing in Grenoble provided him with access to quality coaching and competitive leagues that helped prepare him for the international stage.
Path to Hockey
Texier’s progression through the French hockey system culminated in his debut with Brûleurs de Loups during the 2016-17 Ligue Magnus season as a rookie. His exceptional performance that campaign earned him the Jean-Pierre Graff Trophy as the league’s best first-year player. He also helped his team capture the Coupe de France that same year, establishing himself as one of France’s most promising young talents.
Ranked as the 16th-best European skater prior to the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, Texier was selected in the second round, 45th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Notably, he became the first player ever drafted directly out of the French league in NHL history, a landmark achievement that highlighted the growing development of hockey talent in France. Following his draft, he was also selected in the CHL Import Draft by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL but chose to continue his development in Finland rather than pursue the major junior route.
Alexandre Texier Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
After his standout rookie season in France, Texier joined KalPa of the Finnish Liiga for the 2017-18 season. Despite being the youngest player on the roster, he managed 13 goals and 22 points in 53 games while adapting to the faster, more physical European style of play. Following his first season, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on 22 May 2018, though the organization allowed him to spend an additional season developing abroad.
The 2018-19 campaign proved to be Texier’s breakthrough year with KalPa. He led the team with 41 points in 55 games and helped capture the prestigious Spengler Cup, one of Europe’s most storied club tournaments. His strong performance earned him a promotion to the Blue Jackets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, where he recorded seven points in seven games before being recalled to the NHL roster.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2019-2022)
Texier made his NHL debut on 5 April 2019 against the New York Rangers and scored his first NHL goal the following evening against the Ottawa Senators. He continued his impressive start by registering his first career playoff goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the Blue Jackets’ first-round playoff series on 16 April, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
His first full NHL season in 2019-20 was hindered by a lumbar stress fracture that limited him to only 36 games, producing six goals and seven assists during the regular season. He contributed four assists in 10 postseason games as the Blue Jackets made their playoff run. The following season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a delayed start and various schedule adjustments.
During the 2020-21 season, Texier was originally loaned to rejoin his former Finnish club KalPa on 8 September 2020 but opted to return to his hometown club Brûleurs de Loups due to personal reasons until league play resumed. On 28 January 2021, he executed a rare offensive poke check to score the game-winning shootout goal in a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. This move became one of his signature techniques and was informally dubbed “The French Poke” by commentators and fans.
Citing personal issues and the need to be closer to family in August 2022, Texier stepped away from the Blue Jackets organization and signed a one-year contract with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League for the 2022-23 season, marking his first professional experience in Switzerland.
St. Louis Blues (2024-2025)
On 28 June 2024, Texier was traded to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly after joining the Blues, he agreed to a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension, securing his place with the organization through the 2025-26 season. This move represented a fresh start for Texier as he looked to establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor.
However, his tenure with St. Louis was short-lived. On 22 November 2025, the Blues placed Texier on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, clearing the way for his next career move.
Montreal Canadiens (2025-Present)
Following his departure from St. Louis, Texier signed with the Montreal Canadiens for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He quickly earned a promotion to the team’s top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, where his increased ice time translated to improved offensive production. On 7 January 2026, Texier recorded his first career three-point game against the Calgary Flames.
The following night against the Florida Panthers, he registered his first career NHL hat-trick, marking one of the most memorable performances of his professional career. Through his first 25 games with Montreal, Texier accumulated 16 points, demonstrating the offensive potential that had made him a highly-touted prospect years earlier. His strong performance earned him a two-year contract extension with the Canadiens on 14 January 2026.
Texier finished the 2025-26 regular season with eight goals and 12 assists in 43 games played with Montreal. During the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he scored his first playoff goal in seven years while adding an assist in a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Canadiens’ first-round matchup, helping Montreal advance past the opening round.
Playing Style and Strengths
Texier is known for his versatile forward play, combining solid skating ability with hockey sense and a developing physical presence at the NHL level. His offensive toolkit includes reliable puckhandling, playmaking vision, and a shot that has continued to improve throughout his professional career. His signature move, “The French Poke,” showcases his creativity and willingness to attempt unconventional plays to generate scoring chances. Having played extensively in European leagues before transitioning to North American hockey, Texier brings international experience and adaptability to his game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Texier’s career has been marked by several historic achievements for French hockey. His selection as the first player drafted directly out of the French league in 2017 opened doors for future French prospects seeking NHL opportunities. On 7 January 2026, he became only the third France national in NHL history to reach 100 career points, joining Pierre-Édouard Bellemare and Antoine Roussel in that distinction. The consecutive three-point and hat-trick performances that weekend represented the peak offensive outputs of his NHL career to that point.
Alexandre Texier Career Wins
Texier has accumulated significant achievements across European and international competitions throughout his career, establishing himself as one of France’s most decorated NHL players. His championship experience spans multiple leagues and tournaments.
Ligue Magnus Highlights
During his rookie professional season with Brûleurs de Loups in 2016-17, Texier helped the team capture the Coupe de France championship. For his individual performance that season, he was awarded the Jean-Pierre Graff Trophy as Ligue Magnus’ best first-year player. These accomplishments established his reputation as a rising star in French hockey before his transition to international play.
International and European Success
Texier’s most prestigious European achievement came in 2018 when he helped KalPa win the Spengler Cup, one of Europe’s most prestigious holiday tournaments featuring club teams from various leagues. Internationally, he led France’ under-18 national team to its first-ever promotion to the elite division at the 2017 U18 World Championship, earning tournament-top forward honors while recording five points in five games. He also represented France at the senior World Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Alexandre Texier Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Alexandre Texier’s father, Fabrice Texier, played professional ice hockey and served as Alexandre’s introduction to the sport. Fabrice played four games in the QMJHL with the Laval Titan during the 1986-87 season before returning to France, where he spent most of his career with Brûleurs de Loups in Grenoble. This family connection to hockey provided Alexandre with early access to the sport and mentorship from someone who had experienced professional play at a high level, including North American junior hockey.
Personal Life
Texier has maintained strong ties to his French heritage throughout his North American career, having relocated several times between Europe and North America. In August 2022, he cited the need to be closer to family as a primary reason for stepping away from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. This decision reflects the importance of family support in his career trajectory and personal well-being throughout his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season saw Texier begin the year with the St. Louis Blues after being acquired via trade from Columbus. He signed a two-year, $4.2 million extension shortly after joining the Blues, signaling the organization’s commitment to his development as a scoring forward. His early season contributions helped St. Louis maintain competitive positioning in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Texier’s time with the Blues ended in late November 2025 when the organization placed him on unconditional waivers for contract termination. This move allowed him to pursue new opportunities, leading to his signing with the Montreal Canadiens for the remainder of the season. The change of scenery proved beneficial as Montreal inserted him into a prominent offensive role alongside key players Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Texier’s transition to Montreal represented a turning point in his season, as increased ice time on the top line corresponded with improved statistical output. His milestone achievement of reaching 100 career NHL points during the 2025-26 season demonstrated his consistent offensive contribution at the NHL level. The Canadiens’ decision to sign him to a two-year extension reflected their confidence in his ability to contribute to the team’s long-term success. Looking ahead, Texier was named to France’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, representing his country on the sport’s grandest international stage.