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Canadiens Lead Race to Sign Free Agent Alex Texier
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- Canadiens Lead Race to Sign Free Agent Alex Texier
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The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly the front-runners to sign unrestricted free agent Alex Texier .
Texier, 26, was placed on waivers on Friday by the St. Louis Blues , leading to a mutually-agreed contract termination when no NHL teams submitted a claim.
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There were rumours that several teams were interested in Texier's services, but in the end, it came down to a pair of Eastern Conference clubs.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Habs are the favourites to sign Texier, and can do so as early as 2 pm ET on Sunday.
Why The Montreal Canadiens Signed Texier
The Habs lacked centre depth prior to the start of the season, and the situation has deteriorated rather quickly, given the recent rash of injuries.
Kirby Dach is out of action due to a fractured foot, while Alex Newhook was forced to undergo surgery to repair a broken ankle.
Texier is far from a faceoff ace, but he will provide head coach Martin St-Louis with an additional option down the middle of the ice, which should alleviate some of the pressure on Nick Suzuki , Jake Evans , and Oliver Kapanen .
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He's also a left-handed centre, something the team lacks in the lineup.
Okay, if we're being perfectly honest, he's probably better off being used on the wing, but you take shelter in any port during an injury storm.
Texier an excellent skater, using his speed and playmaking to drive a good amount of his offensive opportunities, though he does have a relatively healthy goal-scoring rate throughout his career.
In 240 career games, Texier has scored 40 goals and 51 assists, splitting his time between the Blues and the Columbus Blue Jackets .
The 6'1″ forward counted as a $2.1 million cap hit prior to the contract termination, but he's expected to sign a much more reasonable deal should he come to an agreement with the Canadiens.
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