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Oilers Eye Controversial Player Amidst Injury Crisis
3 Sep
Summary
- Oilers face injuries, potentially signing controversial player Alex Formenton.
- Formenton was acquitted of sexual assault charges in a previous legal case.
- Team insider and former executive endorse Formenton for a low-risk contract.
With key players Mattias Janmark, Matt Savoie, Alec Regula, and Frederik Andersen sidelined for training camp, the Edmonton Oilers are exploring options to bolster their roster. General Manager Stan Bowman is reportedly considering signing Alex Formenton, a winger who last played for the Ottawa Senators in the 2021-22 season, recording 32 points.
Bob Stauffer, Oilers NOW host, suggested Formenton as a fit, highlighting his skating, penalty-killing ability, and status as a "free player." Former NHL executive Brian Lawton echoed this sentiment, deeming Formenton a "very low-risk contract" after due diligence.
However, Formenton's potential signing is controversial. He was among five NHL players charged and acquitted of sexual assault. The Oilers must weigh the team's need for a player against the potential fan backlash and public relations challenges, similar to incidents involving Carter Hart and Cal Foote.
Edmonton is also considering other free-agent forwards like Luke Glendening and Reilly Smith, with some reports suggesting a preference for younger talent. The team was notably one of the NHL's older rosters during the 2025-26 season.
