(Columbus, Ohio) It was a rather relaxed Alexandre Texier who met La Presse in a corridor of the Nationwide Arena, after the victory of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.

The Frenchman has come a long way, having spent the 2022-2023 season in Zurich following a recommendation from the NHL’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program and the Players’ Association. The need to be closer to his family, after the death of two loved ones, was at the heart of the decision, according to our information.

The Jackets’ second-round pick in 2017 still prefers not to go into details, but he is not afraid to admit that the pleasure of playing had left him during his last months in Columbus before he returned to Europe.

“I had lost it a little bit and that’s why I’m trying to focus on that. I love hockey, it’s my passion, and you always have to have a little moment of pleasure. Since I came back, I have had it and I have not lost it despite the ups and downs of the team. I realized a lot when I returned to Europe. »

In 21 games, Texier scored 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists). “He is more dynamic offensively,” says head coach Pascal Vincent. And he plays a big role in our penalty kill, which is second in the NHL. »

Texier plays 2:14 on average with a man less, the second total on the team behind Sean Kuraly.

“My expectations were to have fun, to realize how lucky I am to play here,” he adds. I didn’t really have any moments of doubt. I arrived two weeks before everyone else. I got my bearings, during the camp too and then, it happened naturally.

“There will be ups and downs, but I feel good physically and mentally. The group is good too. Off the ice, whatever happens, despite the defeats, we live it well. I keep smiling and I’m happy to come to the arena in the morning with the guys. »