Why Alexandre Texier’s Unexpected AHL Assignment Could Change His Career Forever

Alexandre Texier’s journey with the St. Louis Blues has reached a bit of a crossroads this week. After clearing waivers on Friday, the 26-year-old forward has been reassigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL — a move stemming from the Blues activating Jake Neighbours off injured reserve and needing to shuffle their roster accordingly. Texier, now in the final year of his two-year, $4.2 million contract, faces a pivotal choice: report to Springfield or come to terms with the Blues on parting ways and stepping into free agency. Despite flashes of promise during his tenure — with a modest tally of goals and assists over the past two seasons — consistent ice time has eluded him, as Blues coach Jim Montgomery pointed out, noting Texier’s talent but lack of a steady roster spot. Meanwhile, defenseman Hunter Skinner has also been sent down following his recent NHL debut, signaling a bit of a shakeup as the Blues navigate this season’s challenges. The road ahead for Texier is uncertain, but one thing’s clear: tough decisions are on the horizon both for him and the organization. LEARN MORE

Alexandre Texier cleared waivers on Friday and has been assigned to Springfield of the American Hockey League.

The 26-year-old was designated a non-roster player on Thursday when the St. Louis Blues activated Jake Neighbours off injured reserve and needed a roster spot for him.

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The next step for Texier, who is in the final year of a two-year, $4.2 million contract he signed after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 28, 2024 for a 2025 fourth-round pick, is to either report to the Thunderbirds or come to a mutual agreement with the Blues to terminate his contract and become a free agent.

Texier played in just eight games this season and had one assist and 31 games last season in which he had six goals and five assists.

“For ‘Tex,’ he’s an outstanding young man and just didn’t find any kind of path this year to consistently stay in the lineup,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said on Thursday.

The Blues also assigned defenseman Hunter Skinner, who made his NHL debut in a 6-5 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 14, to Springfield on Friday but made no corresponding move to bring anyone else up.

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