Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
We have a breaking announcement involving Montreal Canadiens forward Alexandre Texier.
On Saturday, we learned that Alexandre Texier is in Tampa Bay with the team despite his injury, and there is a chance we could see him in uniform tomorrow.
After what we saw in Boston, this is very good news for a team that gets back to action on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Alexandre Texier Traveled With the Montreal Canadiens to Tampa Bay
The fact that he traveled indicates, at the very least, that this is not a worst-case scenario.
“Alex Texier is here in Tampa with the Canadiens. Probably see him at practice, which will get going a little later than scheduled, after some delays getting to the arena.
Kirby Dach isn’t with the team. Still recovering from his foot injury.
No one sent to Laval. Montembeault here.”
– Eric Engels
Even better news, he’s on the ice practicing with a regular jersey!
Alexandre Texier brings a big smile to the Canadiens. Since his arrival, Texier has already put points on the board. He has 3 goals and 4 assists, for 7 points in 15 games with Montreal. When you have a forward who can contribute that quickly, you want to keep him around, even if he’s not certain to play as early as Sunday.
His contract also helps explain why the Canadiens want to evaluate him on a day-to-day basis. Texier is 26 years old and signed a one-year deal worth $1M. It’s not an expensive gamble, but it’s a piece that can make a difference in terms of depth when you’re looking for stability.
At the same time, Kirby Dach is not with the team. He continues to recover from his foot injury, and the club does not have him in the immediate picture for the trip. That removes an important option for Martin St-Louis, especially at center.
Another element to watch: no one has been sent to Laval, and Samuel Montembeault is there as well. That suggests the Canadiens are still carrying three goaltenders with the big club, at least to start the Florida trip.
On Sunday, the main focus will be on who is in uniform and who gets the start in net.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics