Have you followed up on Alexandre Texier’s recent comments in a Swiss newspaper saying that he hasn’t made a decision about where to play next season? — Sean G.
I have followed up, and what I’ve been told is that Texier was simply trying to keep the peace with the fans in Switzerland. The Blue Jackets have been told that he’s planning to return to Columbus to play in the NHL next season, and they’re taking his word for it. Honestly, that’s all you can really do right now. I’ll say this: Texier hasn’t misled anybody at any point in this process, so I don’t want to assume he’s placating the Blue Jackets now. He has told me via email that when his season is finished in Switzerland, he’ll do an interview. I’m holding him to that, and I’ll turn that story around quickly when we make contact.