Blue Jackets trade Alexandre Texier to St Louis Blues

The first round of the 2024 NHL entry draft kicks off today (6/28) and rumors have been swirling about the potential trade activity of the Columbus Blue Jackets. While not a major trade, Don Waddell made his first trade as General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Waddell traded Alexandre Texier to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2025 NHL draft. Shortly after acquiring the French forward, the Blues signed Texier to a 2-year deal with an AAV of $2.1 million.

Texier was a restricted free agent and was due for a raise this summer. With the plethora of young forwards coming, it was difficult to find a spot in the lineup for him next season. Trading Texier doesn’t come as a surprise to the CBJ faithful.

Getting a 4th round pick is not a big haul for the French forward. But honestly, it seems appropriate given his recent play.

Texier was a 2nd round pick in 2017 and was highly regarded by former general manager Jarmo Kekalainan. The 5th Line was introduced to Texier at the tail end of the 2019 season. Many will remember him for his solid play in round 1 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Unfortunately for Texier, his success with the Blue Jackets was difficult to sustain. Through his 5 seasons with the organization, he dealt with injuries and personal loss (the passing of his father). With the exodus of multiple players after the 2018-2019 season, Texier was vaulted up the lineup for the 2019-2020 season. It may have been too much to ask of Texier, as he struggled to find consistency.

For the past couple of seasons, it was apparent that a change of scenery may have been necessary for Texier. Hopefully he can find sustained success in St. Louis.