In the days leading up to the trade deadline, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen was often asked about prospect Alexandre Texier. His response was always the same: the center wasn't available.
Cleveland Monsters and CBJ fans are starting to understand why. The native of Grenoble, France's skill in the offensive zone saw him quickly elevated to the Monsters' first line and power play unit.
Friday night in Rochester, he got his first AHL goal in just his second outing with the Monsters, connecting on a nice pass from Mark Letestu for a one-timer from the top of the right circle.
The goal was one of five scored by the Monsters on the night as they topped the Americans, 5-2. With 11 games to play, Cleveland is four points out of the final playoff spot in the AHL's Eastern Conference.
Texier, selected 45th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2017 NHL Draft, recorded 14 goals and 27 assists with KalPa in Finland's top league before his move to the AHL this season.
