In a moment that felt destined for Montreal, a new hero emerged for the Canadiens this week, and he hails from France. Alexandre Texier, one of the rare French-born players in the National Hockey League, delivered a magical performance that captivated the Bell Centre crowd and highlighted the unique cultural connection between the team and the city's large French community.
A Career Night at the Bell Centre
On Wednesday, January 8, 2026, Alexandre Texier had what he called a "magic soirée." The winger recorded a goal and two assists, marking the first three-point game of his NHL career. His efforts were central to the Canadiens' decisive 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Texier's goal was a particular highlight, showcasing a powerful and precise shot. His stellar play earned him the first star of the game honours.
The celebration continued in the dressing room, where teammates awarded him the team's traditional wolf headdress, given to the player of the game. The pinnacle of the evening came when Texier skated to centre ice for a post-game interview. The Bell Centre faithful erupted in cheers, showing immediate affection for the new arrival.
From Waivers to the Top Line in Montreal
Texier's journey to this breakout moment was unexpected. He joined the Canadiens in late November 2025 after being placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues. When no other team claimed him, Montreal signed the 26-year-old to a one-year, $1-million contract—a modest sum by today's NHL standards.
His turnaround has been dramatic. With St. Louis this season, he managed only a single assist and was mired on the fourth line. In just 21 games with Montreal, he has already contributed four goals and six assists. His impressive play has even earned him a spot on the team's top line, skating alongside stars Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
"I've never felt as happy as I feel here," Texier said after the game. "I've felt great since the first day in Montreal. I feel it deep inside myself. This is where I want to be."
A French Connection in a Hockey-Mad City
Texier's success resonates deeply in a city that is home to approximately 200,000 French nationals, the largest such population outside of France itself. The growing French presence, particularly in areas like the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough around Laurier Park, has significantly shaped Montreal's demographic landscape in recent decades.
Hockey has never been a major sport in France, a point underscored by the author's experience interviewing French expats in Montreal who prefer discussing Paris Saint-Germain soccer over the Canadiens. Texier's emergence poses a fascinating question: could he become an ambassador who converts some of his compatriots into hockey fans?
The article suggests the Canadiens' public relations team should deploy Texier to Laurier Avenue East for outreach among the French community frequenting its cafes and wine bars. His profile was further boosted by the announcement that he has been named to France's Olympic hockey team for the upcoming games.
Texier follows in the footsteps of a very small group of French NHL players. The most notable Canadien before him was goaltender Cristobal Huet, who played in Montreal from 2005 to 2008 and remains the only French player to appear in an NHL All-Star Game. Intriguingly, both Texier and Huet hail from Saint-Martin-d'Hères, near Grenoble—one of France's few hockey hotspots.
The night even drew political attention. Quebec Premier François Legault, a known Habs fan, was in attendance and later tweeted "Vive la France!" in response to Texier's performance—a post that sparked some online commentary given the premier's policies on immigration.
For now, Alexandre Texier's story is one of seamless fit and sudden success. In North America's premier francophone city, a French forward has found a home, and in doing so, may just be forging a new link between his homeland and Montreal's most beloved sports institution.
