Columbus Blue Jackets forward to miss entire season due to personal reasons

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Josh tupper
August 24, 2022 (1:17 PM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets had one of the most successful summers, adding Johnny Gaudreau as the most prominent free agents definitely moved the team forward. The Jackets then went onto extend Patrick Laine to a contract. Now it appears though that the Jackets will be without one of their forwards for the entire year.

At the advisement of the NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program forward Alexandre Texier is expected to miss the entire season. Texier shared the following message.

During the past year, have experienced some personal issues and challenges and 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.

General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen also addressed the situation.

Alexandre Texier and I recently had a very long conversation in which he indicated to me that he was not ready to resume his career in the NHL at this time. While we are disappointed Tex will not be joining us for the 2022-23 season as we anticipated, his mental health and well-being remain our top priority and we will continue to support him in any way we can.

Our thoughts to out to Alexander and his family during this difficult time.

Update: It has been reported that Texier will play next season in Switzerland.