Full Breakdown
Oilers Sign Alex Formenton Amid Fan Backlash and Team Rationale
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Signing of Alex Formenton
On September 9, 2026, the Edmonton Oilers announced a one-year contract with forward Alex Formenton valued at US $850,000. The 26-year-old, a former second-round pick, last appeared in the NHL during the 2021-22 season with the Ottawa Senators.
Background & Context
Formenton was one of five members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior “Canada Five” who faced sexual-assault charges stemming from an incident after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, on June 18, 2018. The players were formally charged in January 2024, barred by the NHL, and later acquitted in 2025. After the acquittals, the league reinstated all five players in December 2025; an independent appeal board later recommended continued Hockey Canada sanctions for four of them, while Formenton was deemed eligible for immediate reinstatement.
Data & Statistics
- Contract: US $850,000 for one year.
- Swiss league production: 33 goals and 19 assists (52 points) in 88 games for HC Ambrì-Piotta (0.59 pts/game).
- NHL career totals: 18 goals and 32 points in 79 games (2021-22 season).
- Penalty-kill performance: Edmonton ranked 19th in the NHL (78.4 % success) entering the 2026-27 season, after a decline to 50 % in the 2025 regular season.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Stan Bowman said injuries to key forwards created an immediate need for depth on the penalty kill, prompting the organization to explore available options.
Criticism & Opposition
Long-time superfan Mary Loewen—known as “Mama Stanley”—publicly declared she would no longer support the Oilers, stating that, as a sexual-assault survivor, she could not ignore her conscience. Social-media comments on the Oilers’ Instagram post described the move as “embarrassing” and “disgusting,” with many fans indicating they would boycott the team while Formenton remained on the roster. The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) echoed concerns that the decision could trigger “hard feelings or emotions” among survivors.
Why It Matters
The signing intertwines on-ice performance considerations with broader community values. Supporters argue the contract offers a second chance for a player cleared by the courts, while critics contend the organization’s choice sends a conflicting message to female fans and survivors of sexual assault.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media analysis diverges on the primary motivation behind the signing. Bowman attributes the move to roster injuries and penalty-kill deficiencies, whereas independent sports outlets frame the decision as a sign of “desperation” given the team’s limited free-agent market. No quantitative projection has been provided regarding Formenton’s expected impact on the penalty kill, leaving the effectiveness of the signing uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Although he was acquitted in court, I cannot ignore my conscience or what this decision represents to me,” — Mary Loewen
- “I’m very grateful to the Katz family and Stan Bowman, Jeff Jackson, Mike Babcock for granting me this opportunity,” — Alex Formenton
- “Listen, I think he’s gone through a process,” — Connor McDavid
- “I think that played a big role for us in our decision-making,” — Stan Bowman
