Alexandre Texier News

Texier missed the last two games due to a "non-COVID illness" but has now tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss at least two more games.

This is a huge blow for the Blue Jackets, who will also be without Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins. Texier has been red-hot as of late, posting 10 points (5G / 5A) in his last 10 games.

Texier was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday and is not expected to play Friday either. With Texier out, Kevin Stenlund is expected to remain as the third line centre.

Texier missed Wednesday's practice due to illness and under NHL COVID-19 protocols, he was unable to join the team on their two-game road trip. With Texier out, Ryan MacInnis is expected to make his season debut on Thursday.

Texier is out indefinitely with a lumbar stress fracture that he suffered in Tuesday's win over the Panthers. The Blue Jackets' injury woes continue with Texier expected to miss an extended period of time. Justin Scott was called up from Cleveland (AHL) to replace Texier.

Texier missed four games with a knee injury that he suffered in Philadelphia on October 26th. A combination of Jakob Lilja and Kole Sherwood helped replace Texier, who will reclaim his spot in the Columbus bottom-6 in Arizona on Thursday night. Texier has two goals on 15 shots (13.3 SH%) and one assist in 11 games this season.

Texier was forced to leave Saturday's game with a knee injury and is expected to be out until mid-November. Jakob Lilja is expected to replace Texier in the lineup on Wednesday.

Texier was a healthy scratch in Game 5 but is expected to replace Adam Clendening in Game 6. The Blue Jackets will go back to 12 forwards and six defensemen with Texier skating on the fourth line with Brandon Dubinsky and Markus Hannikainen. The 19-year-old has two goals on eight shots with one assist in seven games this postseason.