The Montreal Canadiens could look to make a move to acquire an intriguing winger amid their injuries.
Montreal is a legit Stanley Cup contender, but the Canadiens are dealing with some key injuries. Forwards Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Alex Newhook are out injured, while defenseman Kaiden Guhle is also injured.
With the Canadiens having some key injuries, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet believes Montreal has some interest in Alexandre Texier of the St. Louis Blues.
“Less than one week after David Kampf terminated his contract to stay in the NHL at a lower salary, there are rumours that Alexandre Texier is considering the same,” Friedman wrote. “He has played only one game for St. Louis since Oct. 28 and is making $2.1 million. …
“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.”
Texier is in the final year of his two-year, $4.2 million deal, but could terminate his contract to get a chance on another NHL roster. Or, perhaps the Canadiens make a trade for the 26-year-old winger to give them some middle-six depth.
Texier was a second-round pick in 2017. He’s skated in 8 games, recording 1 assist this season, while his career-high is 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points, which was two seasons ago.
Canadiens Are Working Phones ‘Aggressively’
With Montreal having some key injuries, the Canadiens are looking to fill those holes
NHL insider Marco D’Amico of RG Media reported on Nov. 19 that the Canadiens are aggressively working the phones, looking for a trade.
“Many teams have been hit by the injury bug, like the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild, and more,” D’Amico wrote. “All these teams are working the phones aggressively to help give their team a boost, but there’s one problem. This is a true seller’s market.”
Although the Canadiens are being aggressive, NHL sources told D’Amico that there aren’t enough sellers to make a move happen.
“What’s more, it seems like half the league, including the Canadiens, Canucks, Red Wings, Wild, Capitals — and more — are looking to bolster their centre depth as they deal with injuries and heightened expectations,” D’Amico added.
“The reality is, there are only six teams under .500 as we near US Thanksgiving, a level of league parity that has rarely ever been seen in the Salary Cap era. The outcome? Way fewer sellers, with even fewer options to choose from.”
The Canadiens are currently 10-6-3 and in third place in the Atlantic Division.
Martin St. Louis Sends Kirby Dach a Message
Dach was expected to be an impact player for Montreal, but he suffered another injury.
The center is out for four-to-six weeks due to a broken foot, as he blocked multiple shots. After his injury, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis gave a promising message to Dach.
“I told him 2026 will be his year. It’s easier said than done, but you have to stay positive. He will miss some time, it shouldn’t be too much time,” St. Louis said.
Dach has recorded 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points in 15 games this season.
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