The next wave of prospects is coming sooner than you think.
Former 2017 second-round draft pick and highly touted prospect Alexandre Texier may be coming over to the AHL to play for the Cleveland Monsters. After his final game on Thursday, Texier is expected to come play in North America.
Forward Alexandre Texiers season ends in Finland on Thursday. KalPa not going to make the playoffs.#CBJ could have one of their top prospects (2nd rd, 45th overall in 2017) with @monstershockey by this weekend or early next week.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 12, 2019
Texier is as dynamic as they come with the puck on his stick and for the Monsters who desperately need an injection of skill, he will be a welcome addition.
In 53 games played this season with KalPa in Liiga (Finnish League), Texier scored 12 goals and pitched in with 25 assists for a total of 37 points. Given his young age, he was one of the most prominent prospects in Liiga.
It is well documented how the Columbus Blue Jackets are without some of their top draft picks in the coming years. They will need to recover some of them at some point, but at the moment they need to invest time and energy in developing what they have in front of them.
Vitaly Abramov came in with hype but didn't live up to what others have expected of him. It is essential that Texier doesn't immediately flounder. Offensive zone starts and great linemates are going to be needed.
The Blue Jackets are in a tenuous spot overall. They don't have a lot of top prospects. They need a win somewhere and getting back to developing good players is a start.
No pressure, Mr. Texier.
