The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that forward Alexandre Texier will not join the team for the 2022-23 season, per the advice and recommendation of the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program.
Texier gave the following statement on his absence from the team:
During the past year, I have experienced some personal issues and challenges and I feel I need to be close to my family at this time. I have love and respect for the city of Columbus, the Blue Jackets, and the fans as everyone has always treated me first-class. I truly appreciate the support, help and empathy I have received from team management, the coaching staff, doctors, trainers and my teammates. This was a hard decision, but it is the best one for me right now.
After sustaining a finger injury in January 2022, Texier was granted a leave of absence in March that lasted for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. He finished the year with a strong 20 points in 36 games.
Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen reiterated that Texier’s mental health and well-being remain the team’s top priority, and pledge to continue supporting the player in any way they can.
Texier will not be paid by Columbus this season, nor will his contract count against the salary cap. Per an agreement between the player, team, NHL, and NHLPA, Texier will be permitted to sign a one-year contract in Europe for the 2022-23 season to be closer to his family.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reports that the final year of Texier’s contract will slide, meaning he’ll still be under contract with Columbus if he decides to return in 2023-24.
PHR continues to wish Texier well as he takes the time he needs.
That is one way to be cap-compliant!
Today’s players…..
What’s that supposed to mean?
Oh yeah, the nerve of them having to deal with personal issues just like everybody else!!
It takes courage to say, “I need help”. It took courage yesterday and it takes courage with “today’s players”, but hopefully there will be a day where people don’t have to feel afraid of being ostracized by people like you for it.
Yea where are all the old tough guys who just drowned their problems in alcohol and beat their wives. Really dude, dumping on a dude for needing help? You’re not a very decent human being if that’s how you see it.
Yeah. He should tough it out and suffer in silence so we can sit in our living rooms and enjoy a game. A GAME. More importantly, he should sacrifice his own happiness and well being so he can be a role model for kids today so they learn the importance of suffering in silence to prove their toughness. He needs to do what he thinks is best for him, just like you and I do.
Better statement…..todays fans ugh
What a opportunity for the young kids ..
Really soft generation of young men coming of age
Thanks for playing. Considering what the generation before has done to pretty much this entire world, I’d place the blame squarely on them. Bunch of greedy, self-serving neophytes that found comfort in child/spousal abuse and alcohol.