The Montreal Canadiens have solidified a key piece of their forward corps, signing versatile forward Alexandre Texier to a two-year contract extension worth $5 million US. The deal, finalized on January 17, 2026, underscores management's belief in the 26-year-old as a cost-effective, intelligent player who thrives in head coach Martin St. Louis's system.
Texier's Versatility and Value
Since joining the Canadiens on a one-year, $1 million deal in late November, Texier has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. He began in a bottom-six role but quickly earned promotions, recently cementing a spot on the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield for the past 10 games. During that stint, he has produced an impressive 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists).
St. Louis has consistently praised Texier's high hockey IQ and his ability to "play the game that's in front of him." His capacity to contribute effectively in both top-six and bottom-six roles, combined with a minimal salary-cap hit, makes him an invaluable asset for the team's present and future.
Injury Returns Create Logjam
The team's success with players like Texier creates upcoming challenges as injured players prepare to return. The most prominent name is Patrik Laine, who has been sidelined since late October with a core muscle injury. The 27-year-old winger, carrying an $8.7 million cap hit in the final year of his contract, has begun skating and practiced with teammates.
However, his fit in the current lineup is uncertain. With the second line of Juraj Slafkovsky, Oliver Kapanen, and Ivan Demidov excelling, a bottom-six defensive role seems unlikely for Laine. The most plausible scenario may involve giving him a brief audition on the top line to showcase his skills for a potential trade before the March 6 NHL deadline, as his long-term future in Montreal appears doubtful.
Another forward, Alex Newhook, is expected back from a fractured ankle in mid-March. Before his injury, he had 12 points in 17 games playing with Kapanen and Demidov. Like Texier, his versatility is an asset, but predicting his spot in a healthy lineup is difficult.
The Bolduc Conundrum
The roster squeeze puts a spotlight on young Quebec-born forward Zachary Bolduc. The 22-year-old has struggled recently, recording just one assist and a minus-5 rating over his last 11 games. Some fans have wondered if a stint with the AHL's Laval Rocket might help rebuild his confidence.
Coach St. Louis has preached patience, acknowledging Bolduc is an excellent offensive talent who needs to work on his defensive game. The organization is sensitive to the unique pressures he faces as a French-Quebecer playing in Montreal. While sending him to Laval might be preferable to having him watch from the press box if he loses his spot, the team is likely to continue its developmental approach for now.
Playoff Push in a Tight Division
On the ice, the Canadiens find themselves in a heated battle for playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division. Following a 5-3 loss to Buffalo on January 16, they held third place, just one point behind Detroit and two behind Tampa Bay. The Sabres closed to within three points of Montreal.
Despite the tight race, the team's focus remains internal. As Slafkovsky stated, the priority is winning each game, collecting two points, and then looking at the standings. Securing a top-three division finish guarantees a postseason berth, keeping every decision on players like Texier, Laine, and Bolduc critically important for the stretch run.
