Alexandre Texier’s audacious next move after waivers puts Blues in a tough spot

The situation between Alexandre Texier and the St. Louis Blues may be heading toward a breaking point.

Placed on regular waivers Thursday, Texier’s future immediately became a topic of league-wide curiosity, especially after insider Elliotte Friedman hinted that the story might not end there.

“Texier is regular waivers, not to terminate,” Friedman reported. “But it’s possible we go down that route if not claimed.”

Well, Texier wasn’t claimed on Friday. The Blues officially announced that he has been assigned to the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds.

For Texier who came into the season looking to solidify himself as a full-time NHL contributor, this development raises serious questions about what comes next. He has already taken an unconventional career path, stepping away from the NHL for personal reasons, excelling in Europe, then returning to try to secure his place.

Now, after being waived and demoted, he may face yet another crossroads.

The possibility of Texier pushing for an exit is very real. Players who decline AHL assignments or who feel they’ve hit a dead end with an organization often request trades, mutual contract terminations, or European transfers.

We’ve recently forward David Kampf putting an end to his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being assigned down to the AHL. He has since signed a contract with the Vancouver Canucks as a free agent.

And Friedman’s comment about “going down that route” only fuels speculation that a more dramatic resolution could be on the table.

If this situation continues to sour, the Blues could find themselves forced to choose between keeping a frustrated player in the AHL… or cutting ties entirely.

Either way, the next move may belong to Texier and the ultimatum might already be taking shape.

In other waiver news, Mason Geertsen, who was placed on the waiver wire on Thursday by the Buffalo Sabres, has cleared and will be assigned to the back to the farm team.