5 things to know about Alexandre Texier's return to the Columbus Blue Jackets
The “fire poker” shootout move is returning to the NHL, along with the Frenchman who unveiled it.
Alexandre Texier, 23, plans to restart his NHL career with the Blue Jackets in September, after playing this season in Switzerland as a mental health reset measure. The talented, two-way forward from Grenoble, France is focused solely on the horizon ahead.
“(The season away) was great, but now I don’t really want to talk about the last year, honestly,” Texier said Friday at Nationwide Arena. “It’s the past and now I’m focused on this year. My body feels great, my head feels great and I’m just excited for the new opportunity here in Columbus … and that’s about it. It’s going to be fun.”
Alexandre Texier recharged for NHL restart with Columbus Blue Jackets
About 15 months ago, Texier wasn’t having fun.
He fractured an index finger during a 6-0 loss to the Calgary Flames on Jan. 26, 2022 at Nationwide Arena and was supposed to miss a month. That stretched into two months that included Texier returning to Grenoble for then-unspecified reasons.
An “indefinite leave of absence,” followed on Mar. 10, 2022, when it was also revealed that Texier was mourning the deaths of two people from his inner circle. He returned to the ice for France in last year’s world championship, giving the Blue Jackets hope he’d return this season, but Texier backed out in August — stating that he needed to stay in Europe to be closer to family and friends.
A loan agreement was worked out with the ZSC Lions in Zurich.
“I don’t think during the season I thought about (the NHL), but after the season, it was: ‘Let’s go,’” Texier said. “I was ready. Nothing special. I just told (the Blue Jackets) that I’m ready to go … I’m ready to take the next step and help the team. That’s pretty much it.”
Texier's smile also returned to Columbus during a quick visit for physical baseline testing this week.
“It’s great to see some familiar faces from the years,” Texier said. “It’s great. The locker room’s changed a little bit, but it’s fun. I’m feeling good right now. I’m ready to take the next step. I don’t want to look back now. I just want to move forward.”
Columbus Blue Jackets' Alexandre Texier shined for ZSC Lions
Texier played left wing on the top line for ZSC and finished his first National League A season with 13 goals, 22 assists and 35 points in 46 games. He added 2-3-5 in nine playoff games, helping ZSC advance to the league’s second round.
Those numbers are similar to Texier's production for the Blue Jackets last year, when he added 11 goals, nine assists and 20 points in 36 games. Like all European leagues, the rinks in Switzerland are larger and more conducive to a possession-based game that stunts offensive numbers.
It’s hard to call it a development year when compared to playing in the NHL, but the NLA is a quality league and it allowed Texier to play professionally while recharging mentally. Adjusting back to the NHL’s smaller rinks, hectic playing style, better talent and grinding 82-game schedule awaits Texier in the fall.
“I’m still young,” Texier said. “I have improvements in my game I need to work on, especially the physical part. So, that’s why I’m focused on this summer and it’s going to be huge for me. It’s part of the game, I think. You can always improve and always get better, so I’m excited and can’t wait for the training camp in September.”
Alexandre Texier preparing for return to Columbus Blue Jackets
France’s training camp for its national team starts Sunday, so Texier’s return to Columbus was brief.
He completed required fitness tests with the Blue Jackets’ training staff, met with management, met with reporters and left. Next is a full summer slate that includes the world championship in Tampere, Finland followed by two weeks off and then the start of an offseason training regimen intended to prepare Texier for the NHL.
“I’m excited for the world championship, first (and then) my summer, because I think it’s going to be a huge summer for me,” he said. “Then just get ready for the training camp. It’s going to be all new for me. I have to prove (myself again) and I’m really excited about this.”
Columbus Blue Jackets going 'step-by-step' with Alexandre Texier
Texier received a similar message in his meeting this week with Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen as players who did exit interviews last weekend. He was told to prepare for an intense camp and preseason that will determine NHL roles and ice time under whatever coach replaces Brad Larsen.
Texier’s return adds quality depth up front, but there’s no specific role earmarked just for him. He and other Blue Jackets forwards will earn their roles. Texier's ability to play all three forward positions will help his cause.
“Honestly, we haven’t talked about those things,” Texier said. “Just step by step. I’m here now, then we’ll go to the world championship, have a great summer and then we will see. But I haven’t talked to anybody about (roles) next year, where I will play (in the lineup). The only thing I know is I have to be ready for training camp and then we will go from there.”
Alexandre Texier optimistic about Columbus Blue Jackets rebounding
The last time Texier was in Columbus, Johnny Gaudreau and Erik Gudbranson were part of that Flames team that humbled the Blue Jackets the night he was injured.
Now, they’re teammates, along with other key guys he doesn’t know. Texier only knows this was a nightmarish season for the Blue Jackets, rife with injuries, so there will be a lot of introductions at the start of camp.
“Honestly, it’s a young team,” Texier said. “We will see this summer, how the team looks, but it’s just … it’s kind of … none of my business, you know? I’ve got to focus on myself and we will see what happens.”
One possibility is winning more often, which could happen if the Blue Jackets stay healthy.
“Obviously, it was a pretty tough season for them, but I still texted a couple of guys from the team,” Texier said. “I can’t talk for the other guys. I just know it was tough. We will get better next year and have a great season, I’m pretty sure.”
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Five things about Alexandre Texier's return to Columbus Blue Jackets
