The Texier Trade Rumor- Blue Jackets

Hello all.  Let me just make it clear that I wasn't going to touch this with a 39 and a 1/2 ft. pole earlier tonight.  

DISCLAIMER "I am not saying this is true or false, I'm simply pointing out that this is a rumor as it's not been stated by the player in question, Alexander Texier, or the Columbus Blue Jackets, that this is actually happening.  I am simply clarifying this information in a nice update taco, if you will, for fan clarification on where this story currently stands.  I am also doing this because should this come to be true, I want to have shared such information with you ahead of time.  If you remember back to late summer 2021, I did this same thing regarding a rumor surrounding a trade between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers, for Goaltender Jonas Korpisalo.  So, here is all I've found on this situation thus far, and I will update you with anything new post this post.  Thank you 5th Line."  THE CBJ Writer.  

Many of my readers are in a panic regarding Alexander Texier trade conversation between the Columbus Blue Jackets and other "NHL Teams".  Why did I put this in quotes?  No teams are actually named in the two reports I've found.  One report is from "https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/ice-breakers-stars-and-joe-pavelski-begin-preliminary-extension-talks/" who I've traced to be the origin of this story/rumor/report.  While the other source is "https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2022/02/columbus-blue-jackets-taking-calls-on-alexandre-texier.html " who actually centers their content around "pro hockey rumors", as that's the name of their site  I've not used the first as a source to my memory, however, "Pro Hockey Rumors" I have used before and in the past some of their Blue Jackets rumors have turned into fact a few hours to days after their post.  With the references credited for your own reading and decision making, and to give my own report merit, let's look into what this means.  

First off, Alexander Texier is on the younger side of this young Blue Jackets team, at just 22-years of age.  This young man has a lot of skill in him.  Yes, he's on IR right now, but a broken finger will heal just fine, thank goodness!  As a comparison, in the 2020-21 NHL Season in his 49 games, Texier had 4 goals and 11 assists for a grand total of 15 points.  Not bad at all, especially when you consider how the season ended with no playoff bid.  This year though, in the 2021-22 NHL Season Texier has missed games due to injury.  Guess what?  Even if he didn't play another game this season he's already improved his points by 5, with 11 goals and 9 assists.  Who wouldn't want him?  

However, that might hurt us as it did last year, with Korpisalo and the Oilers.  The rumor was that we wouldn't give up Korpisalo for any less than a top goaltender in return, and a first round pick.  With Texier, the rumor is that we want just about the exact same deal "The Blue Jackets are believed to be asking for a first-round pick for Texier as well as a roster player."  (Quote Daily Faceoff)  Who do we still have in our ranks?  Korpisalo.  The deal, if the rumor were true, fell through, the ask was simply too high.  Also, I remember this because I couldn't believe they were still trying to trade Korpisalo after the tragic loss of Kivlenieks last summer.  The Korpisalo rumor had merit, many believed he would be traded in the postseason, and those rumors made this one plausible.  Again, this one regarding Texier could be true, I'm not saying it couldn't be.  The foundation for a trade hadn't been laid yet, and this could be the start of something or the start of nothing, it is something to keep an eye on for sure though, and I will for all of you.          

Second, and this ties in with my first point nicely, remember 5th Line, talks are simply talks.  Going back to Korpisalo again, he still plays for us despite countless rumors for over a year now he'd be traded.  The team has not made it known they plan to let go of Texier.  Above all else, when it comes to a good young player in trade talks, teams interested usually make themselves known.  For example, Pierre Lu Dubois had the rumor foundation for being traded, mainly because he wanted to be.  Several teams wanted him and there were several reports, from those teams on record, making that fact known.  No Draft Picks were given, but we gained our Hot-Streak man Laine, and also our incredible man of the assist, Roslovic.  (  https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/01/23/trade-columbus-blue-jackets-send-pierre-luc-dubois-to-winnipeg-jets-for-patrik-laine-jack-roslovic-in-blockbuster/)  These reports could be coming in the next few days, months or not at all.  Sadly I don't have a crystal ball to tell you that 5th Line, sorry!  

To wrap this up, I want to see a team or two comment that they want Texier, on the record, before I believe this rumor without a Blue Jackets official comment.  You may feel differently and if you do I want to know, so comment below, just keep it clean, okay?  Thank you.  Beyond this there isn't much left to do but wait and see what happens.  The Trade deadline is fast approaching, and given Texier's improvement, that alone could be fueling this idea as well.  Again, he's a talented player who has shown not only skill, but the desire to grow that skill as a serious NHL player.  I'd be sad to see him go personally, however in the end, this rumor nore the final decision is mine.  I'll keep you posted 5th Line, and enjoy tonight's Blue Jackets @ Panthers game, which I'm going to start listening to, finally, now!  

Go CBJ!  

Sources, again, for your reading and my proof.  

1)  Primary- https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/ice-breakers-stars-and-joe-pavelski-begin-preliminary-extension-talks/

2)  https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2022/02/columbus-blue-jackets-taking-calls-on-alexandre-texier.html

3)  Dubois Trade, because it's been a while!   https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/01/23/trade-columbus-blue-jackets-send-pierre-luc-dubois-to-winnipeg-jets-for-patrik-laine-jack-roslovic-in-blockbuster/