PUBLICATION

Leo Honein
January 14, 2026  (9:16 PM)



Dec 9, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Alexandre Texier (85) plays the puck and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pontus Holmberg (29) defends during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

We were treated to a major announcement today involving the Montreal Canadiens.

Earlier in the day, general manager Kent Hughes made a move and announced the signing of forward Alexandre Texier.

Yes, Alexandre Texier’s contract extension changes the landscape in Montreal.

When Kent Hughes commits for two seasons at $2.5M per year, he’s sending a clear message.

This isn’t just a signing; it’s a spot that has just been “reserved” for a while within the regular lineup.

Texier is not a stopgap player.

In 2025-26, he has played 25 games with the Montreal Canadiens and has recorded 16 points, including seven goals. In his NHL career, he totals 265 games and 107 points.

When you add that kind of profile to an already tight group, it quickly becomes a game of musical chairs.

All signs point to the end for Joshua Roy with the Montreal Canadiens

On paper, Roy has already had a taste of Montreal, but it was never stable. He has 38 career NHL games and 11 points, including six goals.

This season, he has played three games with the Canadiens and did not record a single point.

Meanwhile, in Laval, he has 22 games and 18 points. That’s not nothing, but it’s not a guaranteed ticket either.

The real detail is the timing.

Texier is now “locked in” for 2026-27 and 2027-28, so the Habs are already protecting a portion of their offense.

And when the injured players return, the available spots in the lineup will shrink even further.

In that context, Roy now finds himself having to win a job against players who are already established, and against names that are on the way.

Because yes, the organization is also talking about the future.

Michael Hage was drafted 21st overall in 2024, and Alexander Zharovsky was drafted 34th overall in 2025.

You don’t add picks like that just to watch them from afar forever.

That’s why, without saying “never,” it really feels like the end for Roy in Montreal if nothing changes quickly. There is simply no longer any room for him.

Counting Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky, what is he?

The 20th-best forward in the Montreal Canadiens organization?

Let’s just say he’s far from the regular top 12.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics

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