The Edmonton Oilers have ignited intense debate across Oil Country with their signing of forward Alex Formenton to a one-year, $850,000 contract on September 11, 2026. The 26-year-old winger returns to the NHL after more than 1,500 days away from the league, having last played in the 2021-22 season before facing sexual assault charges alongside four former Hockey Canada teammates. All five players were eventually acquitted, opening the door for Formenton’s return to professional hockey in North America.
Why the Oilers Targeted Alex Formenton
The Oilers’ pursuit of Formenton began when promising forward Matt Savoie suffered an injury during off-season training. Savoie had emerged as one of the few bright spots on Edmonton’s struggling penalty kill unit last season. The team’s PK ranked 20th in the regular season and finished dead last in the playoffs.
Compounding the problem, the Oilers lost penalty kill specialist Adam Henrique during the off-season. General manager Stan Bowman expressed concern about the team’s ability to fill these gaps internally, which prompted the front office to explore external options.
“We started to look around at players that were available. I called some teams about possible trades to see what the market was like for penalty killers and the free agents that are remaining. There are still guys out there, but really none of them are penalty-kill guys.”
Bowman explained that after exhausting trade options and reviewing available free agents, the team conducted extensive analysis on potential solutions for their penalty kill woes. This process ultimately led them to Formenton.
Formenton’s Penalty Kill Credentials
The statistical case for Formenton’s penalty-killing abilities is compelling. According to HockeyStats, he ranked in the 95th percentile in PK impact across his final two NHL seasons. Among Ottawa Senators forwards, he finished second in expected goals against on the penalty kill.
There’s also a coaching connection that could accelerate his integration. Formenton played under D.J. Smith during his time in Ottawa. Smith now serves as Edmonton’s penalty kill coach, providing valuable familiarity between player and system.
However, the significant time away from NHL competition raises legitimate questions. It has been over four years since Formenton last played in the league. The coaching staff will need to evaluate whether he has retained the same penalty-killing instincts and abilities that made him so effective previously.
Questions About His Five-on-Five Role
When Formenton last skated in the NHL during the 2021-22 campaign, he primarily served in a third-line scoring capacity. The speedy winger created most of his offense through transition play, posting 18 goals and 32 points in 79 games for Ottawa.
His time away from North American hockey tells a different story. Formenton spent three seasons with HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss National League. Over 88 games with the Swiss club, he registered just 52 points.
In the 2025-26 season specifically, Formenton produced 0.55 points per game. This output falls well below the standard typically expected of NHL-caliber players competing in that league. For comparison, former Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi produced 1.00 points per game in the same league, while Drake Caggiula managed 0.65 and Gaëtan Haas posted 0.63.
What Latin Hockey Fans in Canada Should Know
For the growing Latino hockey community in Edmonton and across Canada, this signing represents an interesting case study in how NHL teams evaluate talent returning from extended absences. The Oilers have historically been willing to take chances on players seeking redemption or fresh starts.
Latino fans following the Oilers this season should watch for Formenton’s deployment patterns during preseason games. His usage on the penalty kill will indicate how quickly the coaching staff believes he can contribute in high-pressure situations.
The controversy surrounding this signing has sparked conversations about second chances in professional sports. While opinions vary widely among the fanbase, the hockey operations department has made a calculated bet that Formenton’s specialized skills justify the risk.
Early Training Camp Observations
At the captain’s skate held the week of September 7, 2026, observers got their first glimpse of Formenton working with his new teammates. The early practices provide initial data points for how the veteran will integrate into Edmonton’s system.
Expectations should remain measured heading into training camp. The significant decline in Formenton’s Swiss League production could potentially be attributed to off-ice distractions during his legal proceedings. Now that those matters are resolved, there’s at least a possibility he could rediscover his previous form.
The coaching staff will have ample opportunity to evaluate his conditioning, speed, and hockey sense throughout the preseason. If Formenton fails to demonstrate NHL-ready penalty-killing ability, his tenure with the organization could be brief.
Contract Structure and Team Implications
The one-year term and modest $850,000 salary reflect the inherent uncertainty surrounding Formenton’s current ability level. This structure minimizes the Oilers’ financial risk while providing a pathway for the player to prove himself.
Should Formenton recapture his previous form, Edmonton will have added valuable penalty-kill depth at a minimal cost. If he struggles, the short-term commitment allows the team to move on without long-term consequences.
The signing also creates internal competition within the forward group. Younger players will be motivated to earn roster spots and special teams roles, knowing that the organization was willing to bring in external help.
Season Outlook and Timeline
The Oilers’ penalty kill struggles were a significant factor in their playoff disappointment last season. Adding a player with Formenton’s demonstrated PK pedigree addresses a clear organizational need, regardless of the controversy his signing has generated.
Training camp will provide the first real test of whether the Oilers’ gamble pays off. The team must address their special teams weaknesses before the regular season opener to avoid repeating last year’s postseason failures.
How long has Alex Formenton been away from the NHL?
Formenton has been out of the NHL since the 2021-22 season, a span of more than 1,500 days. He spent three seasons playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss National League during his time away.
What was Formenton’s penalty kill ranking in his last NHL seasons?
According to HockeyStats, Formenton ranked in the 95th percentile in penalty kill impact across his final two NHL seasons with the Ottawa Senators.
What is Formenton’s contract with the Oilers worth?
Formenton signed a one-year contract worth $850,000 with the Edmonton Oilers on September 11, 2026.
The Oilers open training camp in the coming days, with preseason games scheduled throughout late September 2026. Formenton’s performance during this evaluation period will determine whether he earns a roster spot when Edmonton begins their regular season campaign in October 2026.
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