Alexandre Texier’s Strong Return Forces Canadiens Into Difficult Decisions – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

Alexandre Texier found himself in a difficult situation when he returned to the Montreal Canadiens to face the Ottawa Senators. With Cole Caufield sidelined by illness, Texier was placed on Montreal’s top line with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky. It was his first game since Feb. 26 against the New York Islanders after being a healthy scratch for five straight games.

The timing could hardly have been more demanding. Montreal is locked in a tight playoff race, and Ottawa remains one of its fiercest rivals. Despite his inactivity and the game’s intensity, Texier played well, looked comfortable with Suzuki and Slafkovsky, and scored the tying goal late in the second period.

The good news for Montreal is that Caufield’s illness does not appear to be long term. He could return when the Canadiens face Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks at the Bell Centre on Saturday. Texier’s performance, however, created a new question for head coach Martin St. Louis: if Texier remains in the group, who sits?

The Brendan Gallagher Dilemma

Analytically, the most obvious candidate may also be the most difficult emotionally: Brendan Gallagher. Gallagher has been one of the defining players of the Canadiens’ recent era. His competitiveness, willingness to battle in difficult areas, and leadership have made him both a fan favourite and a respected voice in the dressing room.

Some elements of his game remain effective. He still protects the puck well and maintains possession along the boards, helping extend offensive-zone shifts. However, the NHL’s pace is unforgiving, and his reaction time, skating speed, and shot release all appear slower than they were earlier in his career.

Related: How the Canadiens Can Clear Their Bottom-Six Logjam

Observers have begun to acknowledge that reality. Analysts on RDS and hosts on TSN 690 have suggested Montreal might consider resting Gallagher during back-to-back situations. The wording is respectful, but the concern is clear: his offensive impact has declined, and there are signs his line has struggled to generate offence consistently.

Other Veterans Still Provide Value

Several other forwards have experienced uneven stretches this season, but still contribute in ways that justify a roster spot. Phillip Danault has had moments where his play appears slower, yet his last two games have been encouraging enough to keep him in the mix.

Josh Anderson’s offensive production has cooled recently, with only four points in his last 15 games. Even so, his intensity and physicality bring an element that is otherwise limited within Montreal’s forward group.

Meanwhile, Jake Evans has quietly elevated his play. Over his last six games, he has recorded three goals and four assists while handling difficult defensive assignments. His reliability away from the puck makes him one of Montreal’s more dependable forwards.

Kirby Dach and Zachary Bolduc Become the Likely Candidates

If those veterans remain in place, attention naturally shifts toward two younger forwards. Kirby Dach showed encouraging signs after returning from injury, particularly while skating on Montreal’s top line. That momentum faded, leading to his move down the depth chart. Since then, his overall impact has been somewhat inconsistent.

Related: Canadiens’ Third Line Is Becoming a Difference-Maker

Evaluating Dach has become complicated by a familiar explanation: he is still rediscovering rhythm after long injury absences. That may be true, but it has also been the explanation for much of the past two seasons. The Canadiens will need to determine whether he can contribute consistently moving forward.

Despite those concerns, Dach is likely to remain in the group for now because Montreal does not have many forwards of his size. Physical attributes become increasingly valuable as the season approaches playoff hockey.

Then there is Zachary Bolduc, who has struggled to carve out a clear identity this season. When he plays with bite, skating hard, finishing checks, and driving the net, he becomes a far more impactful player. The difficulty has been sustaining that approach from night to night.

Bolduc’s last goal came against Boston back on Dec. 23, and his production has dipped from what he showed last season with the St. Louis Blues. Montreal likely hoped he could build on that progress after acquiring him in the trade that sent Logan Mailloux to the Blues; with his offensive output having slowed, and several forwards competing for limited spots, he may become the odd man out.

Where Texier Fits

Assuming Texier remains part of the forward group, the next question is deployment. Montreal’s second unit of Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, and Alex Newhook appears to have rediscovered its chemistry. Breaking up that trio would make little sense.

If Evans continues centreing the third line and Danault anchors the fourth, Texier could skate alongside Evans and possibly Dach. That combination could generate a strong cycle game, but raises questions about offensive creation, since none of the three are natural playmakers.

Another factor working in Texier’s favour is Montreal’s style of play. As the season approaches the playoffs, games become tighter and more physical. Coaches often favour players who can fill multiple roles rather than specialists who contribute in only one area.

The Patrik Laine Question

There is also the question of Patrik Laine.

Laine has not played in months and does not fit a depth role, yet his talent remains undeniable. He still possesses one of the NHL’s most accurate and dangerous shots, and despite often appearing slow, he can still deke around defenders with remarkable hands.

That contrast is striking. His skill set suggests a top-six offensive player, yet his lack of foot speed and lapses in awareness make his place within Montreal’s current group less obvious. With the standings tightly packed and the intensity of games already approaching playoff levels, the Canadiens appear cautious about introducing uncertainty this late in the season.

Montreal’s Playoff Race Leaves Little Room for Sentiment

Montreal’s remaining schedule ensures these decisions carry real consequences. Of the Canadiens’ final 19 games, 15 are against Eastern Conference opponents, meaning each result could directly influence the playoff race.

Back-to-back games against the Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks this weekend might seem like Montreal’s best yet still unlikely opportunity to give Laine a look, since both teams are from the Western Conference. However, Anaheim is still fighting for playoff positioning, San Jose is fighting to make the playoffs, and both teams feature a young, fast, and highly-skilled style that offers little room for experimentation.

If Texier remains part of the forward group, the most likely outcome may involve Bolduc and Dach alternating as healthy scratches. The possibility of sitting Gallagher cannot be ignored, even if suggesting it is uncomfortable.

The Canadiens are entering the most important stretch of their season. Sentiment rarely determines decisions at this stage; performance usually does. Texier’s strong showing may now force Montreal to make a difficult choice.