Columbus Blue Jackets Forward To Return After One Year Leave Of Absence

Wednesday, April 19, 2023


After a year away from the team for personal reasons, the Columbus Blue Jackets will have French center Alexandre Texier back in the fold for next season. 

Texier still has one year to run on his contract, at $1.525M, that will kick again for 2023-24. 

The now 23-year-old had a number of difficult challenges off the ice in 2021-22, and took a leave of absence from Columbus during the season in March of '22. During the summer, he announced that he would be taking this season off from the NHL. 

"During the past year, I have experienced some personal issues and challenges and I feel I need to be close to my family at this time," Texier said at the time, which led to him taking a gig with Zurich of the Swiss NLA, allowing him to still be involved in some high-level hockey. He recorded 35 points and a +16 plus/minus rating in 46 games. 

In order to sign the one-year deal with Zurich while still under contract to the Blue Jackets, the team agreed to technically put him under suspension. He'll now complete his NHL contract in Columbus. 

"Alexandre Texier is an outstanding, young player who is an important part of our team and we are excited that he will be rejoining the club as expected next season," said GM Jarmo Kekalainen. "His well-being has been our sole priority and we couldn't be happier that he is ready to resume what is a very promising NHL career at this time."

When he last suited up with the Jackets, he registered 11 goals and 20 points in 36 games in the 2021-22 season. 

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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