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Edmonton Oilers Sign Alex Formenton to One-Year Deal After Acquittal
On September 9, 2026, the Edmonton Oilers announced that forward Alex Formenton has agreed to a one‑year contract worth an average annual value of $850,000, giving the 27‑year‑old a chance to return to the NHL after a four‑year hiatus.
Formenton, who last appeared in the league during the 2021‑22 season with the Ottawa Senators, was selected by Ottawa in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Over his professional career he has played in North America and Switzerland, and his 2021‑22 season remains his most productive NHL campaign, with 18 goals and a league‑leading five short‑handed goals. His speed, aggressive penalty‑killing ability, and offensive upside fit the Oilers’ current roster gaps, especially after injuries to Matt Savoie and Mattias Janmark.
The signing follows a high‑profile legal case that began in 2018 when five members of Canada’s World Junior team were charged with sexual assault. Formenton was the first of the five to cooperate with authorities. In July 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that all five players were not guilty, citing insufficient credible evidence. While the verdict removes criminal liability, it does not declare innocence.
"We evaluated Formenton’s readiness and found that his playing profile has not changed," Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said. He noted that Edmonton has a history of offering a second chance to players after controversy, referencing Craig MacTavish and Evander Kane. Bowman also highlighted Formenton’s transparency during the legal proceedings and the Oilers’ need for a reliable penalty killer.
The contract’s cap hit is the league minimum, allowing the Oilers to keep Formenton on the active roster without affecting salary‑cap space. He will become a free agent after the 2026‑27 season and could return to Edmonton if the organization chooses to retain his rights.
Reactions among fans have been mixed. Some welcome the opportunity for redemption, while others remain skeptical because of the nature of the allegations. The Oilers have not issued a formal statement addressing the public’s response.
As the 2026‑27 season approaches, Edmonton will work to integrate Formenton into its forward group and strengthen its penalty‑kill unit. The team’s performance will hinge on how quickly he can adjust to the NHL pace and contribute both offensively and defensively. The broader hockey community will continue to monitor how the league handles players with past legal controversies, especially as other former World Junior participants such as Carter Hart and Dillon Dube seek new opportunities.
In short, the Oilers’ signing of Alex Formenton marks a return to the NHL for a player who was acquitted of serious charges. The one‑year, $850,000 contract reflects Edmonton’s need for a skilled penalty killer and its willingness to give a player a second chance. The outcome of the 2026‑27 season will determine whether Formenton can reestablish himself as a regular NHL contributor and whether Edmonton can move beyond the controversy surrounding his name.
Formenton, who last appeared in the league during the 2021‑22 season with the Ottawa Senators, was selected by Ottawa in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Over his professional career he has played in North America and Switzerland, and his 2021‑22 season remains his most productive NHL campaign, with 18 goals and a league‑leading five short‑handed goals. His speed, aggressive penalty‑killing ability, and offensive upside fit the Oilers’ current roster gaps, especially after injuries to Matt Savoie and Mattias Janmark.
The signing follows a high‑profile legal case that began in 2018 when five members of Canada’s World Junior team were charged with sexual assault. Formenton was the first of the five to cooperate with authorities. In July 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that all five players were not guilty, citing insufficient credible evidence. While the verdict removes criminal liability, it does not declare innocence.
"We evaluated Formenton’s readiness and found that his playing profile has not changed," Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said. He noted that Edmonton has a history of offering a second chance to players after controversy, referencing Craig MacTavish and Evander Kane. Bowman also highlighted Formenton’s transparency during the legal proceedings and the Oilers’ need for a reliable penalty killer.
The contract’s cap hit is the league minimum, allowing the Oilers to keep Formenton on the active roster without affecting salary‑cap space. He will become a free agent after the 2026‑27 season and could return to Edmonton if the organization chooses to retain his rights.
Reactions among fans have been mixed. Some welcome the opportunity for redemption, while others remain skeptical because of the nature of the allegations. The Oilers have not issued a formal statement addressing the public’s response.
As the 2026‑27 season approaches, Edmonton will work to integrate Formenton into its forward group and strengthen its penalty‑kill unit. The team’s performance will hinge on how quickly he can adjust to the NHL pace and contribute both offensively and defensively. The broader hockey community will continue to monitor how the league handles players with past legal controversies, especially as other former World Junior participants such as Carter Hart and Dillon Dube seek new opportunities.
In short, the Oilers’ signing of Alex Formenton marks a return to the NHL for a player who was acquitted of serious charges. The one‑year, $850,000 contract reflects Edmonton’s need for a skilled penalty killer and its willingness to give a player a second chance. The outcome of the 2026‑27 season will determine whether Formenton can reestablish himself as a regular NHL contributor and whether Edmonton can move beyond the controversy surrounding his name.
