Blue Jackets Rumors: Young Forward On The Comeback Quickly Losing Trade Value

The Columbus Blue Jackets welcomed back Alexandre Texier to their lineup after he missed the entire 2022-23 season. His return to the team brought excitement because of the level the player played at before taking the time off. That excitement has quickly turned to disappointment as Texier has failed to contribute on the scoresheet this far despite playing the third most among forwards on the team.

While Kent Johnston has been scratched at times, Texier continued to play. Even though he's just 24 years old and on a good contract, something has to change. The Blue Jackets are quickly falling in the standings and struggling again. Lack of scoring has been a big problem, and Texier has not helped improve that. He has finally been dropped to the fourth line with the insertion of Johnston back into the lineup.

If the Blue Jackets decide to sell, Texier has to be one of the players they try to move. There are too many younger skilled players on the team that are contributing or would be able to at a better rate. The emphasis here is on try, as the numbers for Texier this season are not flattering despite 11 goals and 20 points in 36 games in 2021-22 at 22 years old. Yegor Chinakhov is playing like he wants a call-up now. This could force the Blue Jackets' hand and put Texier through waivers before they can move him.