In the ever-shifting landscape of the National Hockey League, rumors and speculation are as much a part of the game as the action on the ice. When a top insider like Elliotte Friedman drops a new name into the trade conversation, fans and executives alike sit up and take notice. This week, Friedman has sparked a fresh wave of intrigue, linking a somewhat unexpected forward to the Montreal Canadiens—and suddenly, all eyes are on Alexandre Texier.

The Canadiens, a storied franchise always under the microscope, have faced their share of adversity this season. Injuries have left holes in the lineup, and the race in the standings is tighter than ever. With every point crucial and roster depth tested, the pressure is mounting on Kent Hughes and his management team to find solutions, and fast. But what if the answer isn’t a blockbuster move for a superstar, but rather a strategic addition—a player who could quietly make a big impact?

Alexandre Texier may not be a household name in Montreal yet, but his profile is quickly rising. The 26-year-old French forward, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 196 pounds, has quietly built a solid NHL resume since being drafted in the second round by Columbus in 2017. With 91 points in 240 career games, including 40 goals, Texier has shown flashes of speed and skill that have caught the attention of more than a few scouts. His recent numbers may not leap off the page, but there’s a sense among insiders that he could thrive in a new environment, especially one as passionate as Montreal.

Friedman’s mention of Texier on his popular “32 Thoughts” podcast was brief but loaded with possibility. “Would Texier make any sense for Montreal?” he mused, noting the Canadiens’ need to plug injury gaps and their reluctance to wave the white flag in a competitive season. The fact that Texier has been designated non-roster by his current team only adds another layer to the intrigue. While this move doesn’t guarantee a trade is imminent, it certainly opens the door to speculation—and in the world of NHL trades, where smoke often leads to fire, it’s a development worth watching closely.

For Montreal fans, the idea of acquiring Texier raises immediate questions. What would the price be? Would the Canadiens need to move a contract to fit him in? And perhaps most tantalizingly: Could a rising prospect like Joshua Roy be part of the equation? The answers are far from clear, but the very fact that Friedman has given voice to these possibilities lends the situation a sense of legitimacy. When a trusted insider reveals a “minor” name publicly, it’s usually a sign that something serious is brewing behind the scenes.

As the hours tick by and rumors swirl, one thing is certain: the next move could shape the Canadiens’ season in ways no one expects. Is Alexandre Texier the missing piece? Or is this just another fleeting rumor in a league full of surprises? The only way to find out is to keep watching—and to read on.

Feb 2, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; St. Louis Blues center Alexandre Texier (9) looks to shoot the puck during the first period against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

The top insider in the National Hockey League, the well-known Elliotte Friedman, has just linked a new forward to the Montreal Canadiens.

Alexandre Texier, who wouldn’t cost a fortune to acquire, has indeed been linked to the Tricolore in a potential trade.

On his podcast “32 Thoughts,” Friedman mentioned the name of the French forward Alexandre Texier as a serious possibility for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

“Would Texier make any sense for Montreal? The Canadiens are looking to plug injury holes. The standings are tight, so few white flags are waving.”

– Elliotte Friedman

“The team has designated forward Alexandre Texier non-roster.”

– Mike Meyers

That’s interesting! This designation does not necessarily mean a trade is imminent, but it adds intrigue to the situation.

A trade to acquire Alexandre Texier for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens?

This is a situation to watch closely, and If a deal happens, Montreal may need to move a contract to make room, depending on the structure.

But one thing’s certain, Friedman mentioning Texier gives the idea some legitimacy, but nothing indicates talks are advanced.

Especially when a more “minor” name is revealed publicly by such a reliable insider – that means it’s serious.

It’s a situation worth monitoring closely in the next few hours.

I’m really wondering what the price would be, but as I mentioned above, it likely wouldn’t be very high. Would you trade Joshua Roy for Alexandre Texier, for example?

Texier, 26 years old, is a fast forward standing 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, who was a second-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2017.

He has a solid 91 points in 240 career NHL games, including 40 goals, and he has produced 11 points (in 31 games), 30 points (in 78 games), and 20 points (in 36 games) over the past few seasons.

He is definitely a name to keep in mind for Montreal Canadiens fans.