After David Kampf, another 26-year-old Blues star considering contract termination, per top NHL insider

Reports suggest that St. Louis Blues forward Alexandre Texier may look to end his contract, like David Kampf did in Toronto. Texier is expected to be placed on waivers on Thursday. If he clears, he will likely be assigned to AHL Springfield. Jake Neighbours is returning from injury and will take his roster spot.

In his Wednesday 32 Thoughts column, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said Texier, who is 26, has played only one game since October 28. Texier earns $2.1 million this season, and his lack of playing time has created questions about his future.

"Less than one week after David Kampf terminated his contract to stay in the NHL at a lower salary, there are rumours that Alexandre Texier is considering the same," Friedman wrote. "He has played only one game for St. Louis since Oct. 28 and is making $2.1 million."

This comes shortly after David Kampf chose a similar path with Toronto. Kampf left the Maple Leafs and signed with the Vancouver Canucks. He agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million.

Kampf was not getting the opportunity to play in the NHL before his decision. Texier, who has played just eight games this season, has only one assist so far. He has averaged just over ten minutes of ice time.

Coach Drew Bannister spoke about Texier’s situation and his tough lineup position.

"For Tex, he's an outstanding young man and just didn't find any kind of path this year to consistently stay in the lineup."

Texier’s next steps depend on waivers, since another team could claim him for NHL use. If not, he will have to consider his future in the AHL. The Blues still value him as a player, but for now, his contract status remains uncertain.

Several teams were interested in David Kampf

Elliotte Friedman spoke last Friday about several teams' interest in David Kampf on the 32 Thoughts podcast. Friedman noted that the Vancouver Canucks showed early interest, and the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal were also in the conversation.

"Kampf gets the opportunity to find something out there," Friedman said. "Definitely believe Vancouver is in on this. They need centers like he's not a number two, ...someone mentioned Pittsburgh to me on Thursday. You know, I also just wonder about Montreal..."

Friedman had mentioned that the Canadiens could've made the call because they suddenly need depth down the middle after injuries. Overall, Friedman had indicated that several teams could pursue Kampf for a depth-center role, and ultimately Canucks chose him.