LATEST | Blue Jackets forward returning to team after season-long absence

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Cooper Godin
April 20, 2023 (9:24)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that forward Alexandre Texier will return to the team for the 2023-24 season after missing all of last year for personal reasons. The second year of Texier's contract, that was supposed to be for the 2022-23 season, will carry over for 2023-24, the Blue Jackets said in their statement.

Texier, 23, didn't join the Blue Jackets for the 2022-23 season per the advice of the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. The Blue Jackets allowed him to return to Europe to be closer to family and he signed with Zurich in Switzerland's National League for the year.

"Alexandre Texier is an outstanding, young player who is an important part of our team and we are excited that he will be rejoining the club as expected next season," said GM Jarmo Kekalainen. "His well-being has been our sole priority and we couldn't be happier that he is ready to resume what is a very promising NHL career at this time."

The Saint-Martin-d'Heres (France) native had a very strong year with Zurich, putting up 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 44 games during the regular season and adding five points in nine games during the playoffs. There's also a pretty good chance that Texier will be playing for France at the upcoming 2023 IIHF World Championship next month.