The Edmonton Oilers are exploring the possibility of signing Alex Formenton, a former forward for the Ottawa Senators, as they face injury challenges heading into the upcoming NHL season. General manager Stan Bowman recently announced that several players, including Mattias Janmark, Matt Savoie, Alec Regula, and Frederik Andersen, will not participate in training camp due to various injuries. Although these players are not expected to miss significant time, the Oilers are keen on adding another NHL-ready forward to their roster.
Formenton, who stands at 6’2”, last played for the Senators during the 2021-22 season, where he accumulated 32 points. His recent performance in Switzerland with HC Ambrì-Piotta saw him score 23 points, including 13 goals, in 42 games. The winger has also been recognized for his effectiveness on the penalty kill, a skill that the Oilers are currently seeking to bolster.
Bob Stauffer, host of Oilers NOW, highlighted Formenton’s potential fit with the team during a recent podcast. Stauffer described Formenton as a “big rangy guy that can skate” and noted that while his performance in Switzerland was not stellar, he could be considered a low-risk signing. Former NHL executive Brian Lawton echoed this sentiment, stating that he would support the idea of the Oilers pursuing Formenton, provided they conducted thorough due diligence regarding his past.
Formenton’s past, however, complicates his potential signing. He was one of five NHL players charged with sexual assault but was acquitted in a high-profile case. This background may create a controversial atmosphere should the Oilers choose to sign him, as fans have already expressed backlash against other players involved in similar situations. The Oilers will need to weigh the benefits of Formenton’s on-ice abilities against the potential public relations challenges that could arise from his signing.
Despite the interest in Formenton, the Oilers have other options on the table. Reports suggest that the team is also considering other unrestricted free agent forwards, such as Luke Glendening and Reilly Smith. Additionally, The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell has indicated that the Oilers might prefer targeting younger forwards to enhance their roster. Names like Felix Unger Sörum, Matt Poitras, and Ethan Procyszyn have been mentioned as potential targets, especially given that Edmonton was one of the older teams in the league during the 2025-26 season.
As the Oilers navigate these injury concerns and potential signings, the decision to pursue Formenton or another forward will be crucial in shaping their roster for the upcoming season. The team’s management will need to balance the immediate need for depth with the long-term implications of any signing, particularly in light of Formenton’s controversial past.
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