"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 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."
Texier recorded 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points with 30 penalty minutes and a +16 plus/minus rating in 46 regular season games with the ZSC Lions in 2022-23, ranking third on the team in goals and points and fourth in assists. He added 2-3-5 in nine postseason contests.
The 23-year-old Saint-Martin-d'Heres, France native has notched 22-27-49 with 44 penalty minutes and 189 shots in 123 career outings with the Blue Jackets since making his NHL debut at the end of the 2018-19 campaign. He set single-season career highs in goals and points in 2021-22 with 11-9-20, 12 penalty minutes, 59 shots and an "even" plus/minus rating, while averaging 14:36 of ice time in 36 contests. The 6-1, 186-pound forward was drafted by Columbus in the second round, 45th overall, at the 2017 NHL Draft.
