The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that forward Alexandre Texier will not play with the team next season, following a recommendation from the NHL’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program and the NHL Players Association.
The team did not provide further details regarding the reasons for the decision.
“Over the past year, I have experienced personal issues and challenges and feel the need to be close to my family,” Texier said in a statement. I sincerely appreciate the support, help and empathy received from the team management, coaching staff, doctors, therapists and my teammates. It’s a tough decision, but it’s the best one for me right now. »
Texier will be considered suspended without pay and will not count toward Blue Jackets payroll calculations. Due to an agreement between the team, the NHL, the NHLPA and the player, Texier was granted permission to sign a one-year contract with a European team for the 2022-23 season.
A 22-year-old native of Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France, Texier was given a day off by the Blue Jackets in March due to two deaths in his family, having been on the sidelines since. a broken finger suffered Jan. 26 against the Calgary Flames. He then represented France at the World Hockey Championship in Finland.
He is expected to sign a contract with a Swiss team for the next season.
“Alexandre Texier and I recently had a long conversation during which he told me that he did not feel ready to resume his career in the NHL,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. While we are disappointed that “Tex” will not be playing with us as anticipated for the 2022-23 season, his mental health and well-being remain our priority and we will continue to support him in every way possible. »
In 36 games in 2021-22, Texier set personal bests with 11 goals and 20 points. Blue Jackets 2017 second-round pick, 45e overall, Texier has 22 goals and 27 assists in 123 NHL games.