Why Kent Hughes’ early extension of Alexandre Texier is raising eyebrows
All Montreal Hockey has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Let’s be honest, Alexandre Texier’s signing is getting Canadiens fans talking.
Kent Hughes confirmed the forward’s signing on January 14, handing him a two-year deal worth $2.5 million per season. We can agree the timing was perfect for the player.
Texier was coming off a red-hot stretch with eight points in four games. He had just been playing the best hockey of his career.
Yet many fans are wondering whether the general manager pulled the trigger a little too quickly.
His smooth, skilled style of play is undeniable, but physical involvement is often lacking.
Alongside Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, you need a player willing to go into traffic. Alexandre Texier does not fit that power-forward profile.
Let’s be honest, he’s not going to push veterans like Brendan Gallagher out of a support role.
An asset for a future trade?
It’s also worth considering that Texier could become a solid asset on the trade market.
A productive player on a fixed contract is always attractive to other general managers. Flipping him for a draft pick could be a masterstroke.
For now, we’ll keep an eye on him during the Olympic Games. His performance upon returning from injury will dictate what comes next.
We’ll see whether Kent Hughes’ gamble ends up paying off or not.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
POLL
1 HOUR AGO|54 ANSWERS
Why Kent Hughes’ early extension of Alexandre Texier is raising eyebrows
Did the Canadiens make a mistake by extending Alexandre Texier too early?