Texier to play for France at world event
Blue Jackets expect him back in 2022-23
Alexandre Texier's next game will be for his country instead of the Blue Jackets.
The 22-year-old has received the Jackets' permission to play for France in the men's world championship, which will be held May 13-29 in Finland. It will be his first action since fracturing a finger Jan. 26.
The injury, combined with the deaths of two people close to Texier, prompted his return to France in late February, roughly one month after the injury occurred. He was granted an indefinite leave of absence from the Blue Jackets on March 10 and missed the rest of the season.
“Alexandre Texier reached out to let us know that he was ready to get back on the ice and asked our permission to participate in the world championships,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. “We were very happy to hear that he is doing well physically and mentally and ready to take this next step in his journey.”
Texier had 11 goals, nine assists and 20 points in 36 games. After a slow start centering the top line, he thrived following a shift to right wing on the fourth line with Eric Robinson and Sean Kuraly. Texier became one of the Jackets' most important two-way forwards, and his confidence got an additional boost from killing penalties, where he scored arguably
the goal of the year for the Jackets on Nov. 20 in Las Vegas.
The length of his absence, decision to stay in France so long and news that he'll play in the world championships prompted speculation Texier might decide against returning to the NHL altogether.
But Texier's agent, Simo Niiranen, said that's not the case.
“He is planning to do so,” Niiranen said via text message, when asked if Texier will play in Columbus next season.
Should that plan change, it would be similar to a decision in January by Texier's friend and former Blue Jackets teammate Gregory Hofmann, who didn't return from a trip home to Switzerland for the birth of his first child.
Hofmann stayed with his wife and newborn rather than finishing what could be his only NHL season, drawing a brief suspension by the Blue Jackets followed by a contract termination the forward requested. He rejoined EV Zug in Switzerland's top division and skated for Switzerland in February at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Should Texier decide to go a similar route, his options would be limited. He's under contract for one more season with the Blue Jackets before reaching restricted free agency with arbitration rights and is under team control as an RFA through 2024-25.
At the same time, there is no indication that Texier is unhappy playing in Columbus, and the Blue Jackets anticipate his return for training camp next fall.
“We are excited that he will be representing France at the world championships and look forward to his return to the Blue Jackets next season,” Kekalainen said.
Roslovic nominated
Forward Jack Roslovic is the Blue Jackets nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which goes each year to the NHL player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community."
Roslovic set a single-season careerhigh with 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points in 2021-22, while also earning the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Community MVP Award. bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger