Canadiens reap present, future benefits from surprising asset Alexandre Texier

Alexandre Texier continues to shine with the Montreal Canadiens. On Tuesday, he scored his team's only goal in a 4-1 home loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. It is his third goal since arriving in Montreal three-and-a-half weeks ago.

Traded to the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 23, after an unsuccessful stint with the St. Louis Blues, where the forward never earned his coach's trust, the NHL's sole French player struck again in Tuesday's regular-season game. He scored the Canadiens' only goal in their 4-1 home loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Texier, 26, opened the scoring late in the first period, finishing a play started by Josh Anderson and Jake Evans. The joy was short-lived for Montreal, however, as the Flyers tied the game 40 seconds later on a goal by Sweden's Carl Grundstrom. Philadelphia then pulled away with goals from Trevor Zegras, Bobby Brink and Travis Konecny.

Alexandre Texier fits the Montreal Canadiens for the long term

In just 11 games with the Canadiens, Texier has not stopped shining. His goal on Tuesday is his third since arriving in Quebec and his third in four games. He also has two assists and had previously made headlines in a shootout against Toronto. Montreal is fourth in its division and eighth in its conference, with all teams having played between 30 and 35 games (of the 82-game regular season).

Texier brings a direct game that works in the Montreal system. His game is built on smart, hard-working hockey. He’s an aggressive forechecker, a reliable support player in puck battles and always seems to find his way into the slot or near the crease — without ever rushing or overcomplicating his game. This helps his linemates and gives the Canadiens more balance across the lineup. 

His profile suggests room to grow, but Texier is just 26, so he can help now and still develop. Also, he has always shown that he doesn't need to be the main scorer. 

When he's burying his chances and keeping his two-way game honest, his contributions resonate, be it in a middle-six role or as a specialist on the penalty kill or power play.

Montreal needs reliable contributors to stabilize the group and raise the floor. Texier is trending in that direction and appears to be a piece that can stick.