September 11, 2026 • 6:03 AM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
The Edmonton Oilers just made a move that’s getting fans talking: they signed Alex Formenton to a one-year, $850,000 deal, marking his NHL return after missing the past two seasons. Formenton’s arrival is noteworthy not just because he’s back in North America after playing in Switzerland, but because it contrasts sharply with how the Oilers handled a similar situation last year. When Carter Hart and four other players were acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case, the league opened the door for them to return. Edmonton, needing help in net, didn’t go after Hart. Now, they are betting on Formenton, whose situation is similar but whose role and risk profile differ.
This is more than just a hockey decision—it’s about timing, risk tolerance, and how much off-ice narratives affect a team’s willingness to pull the trigger. Stan Bowman made it clear last September that Edmonton didn’t want players entangled in reputational storms. In his eyes, the risk wasn’t worth the noise. Fast forward a year, and the Oilers are singing a new tune. Formenton, acquitted alongside Hart, is suddenly an asset worth bringing into camp. According to Yahoo Sports, Bowman’s stance softened after Formenton was cleared for Hockey Canada programs and conversations with the player gave the organization more comfort.
So, why Formenton now? Why not Hart then? The organizational mood has clearly shifted. Formenton comes with less hype—and, frankly, less pressure—than a starting goalie like Hart. His contract is cheap, his expected role is smaller, and for Edmonton, he fills a need on the penalty kill and bottom six without a major PR hit. The Oilers did their due diligence, had direct conversations, and ultimately decided he’s worth the minimal investment. Forget about the box score for a second; the story here is about risk management and timing as much as on-ice impact.
Let’s be honest, Formenton has things to prove. He hasn’t logged an NHL shift since 2022, despite a respectable 18-goal campaign in Ottawa. His production dropped overseas, with just 23 points for HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland last season. But European ice can be hard on offensive numbers, and teams often hope players return with a better defensive edge. At $850,000, there’s not much downside if he can’t stick. Formenton’s skillset at least gives Mike Babcock another experienced body for penalty killing and lineup depth, especially while Matt Savoie is unavailable.
The sequence of events makes a few things clear. Edmonton’s leadership, once unwilling to invite any extra attention, has seen the NHL reinstatement process settle in and media scrutiny fade. Bowman’s public discomfort with these cases last season was no secret, but after a year of relative calm and official clearance, the hockey operations side clearly felt it was time to make this move. The lingering question is what changed inside the walls of this organization in those 12 months—it’s something that, judging by fan response, deserves a more transparent answer from Oilers brass.
Key developments in the Oilers’ decision
- Alex Formenton signs a one-year, $850,000 deal, ending his NHL absence since 2022.
- The Oilers passed on Carter Hart last year, despite his acquittal in the Hockey Canada investigation and their need in goal.
- Stan Bowman referenced Hockey Canada clearance and direct player discussions as reasons for moving forward with Formenton.
- Formenton’s European stint yielded modest numbers, but he brings penalty-killing experience and bottom-six depth to Edmonton.
- The team’s risk appetite appears to have changed, as media attention and league reinstatement measures have settled over the past year.
What Formenton adds—and the risks
Formenton’s main value right now is as a low-cost, low-commitment bet on a former 18-goal scorer who can help on special teams. He’s being counted on to shore up the penalty kill for a team that’s aiming to contend—not to spark headlines. Whether he sticks in the Babcock lineup will depend on how quickly he can adjust after years away and if those bottom-six minutes turn into anything more productive than the 23 points he managed in Switzerland.
Key takeaways for bettors
- Formenton’s deal is financially low risk—failure to meet expectations won’t cripple the cap.
- After a long layoff, don’t expect early-season offensive fireworks from Formenton.
- The Oilers’ change in approach signals more willingness to take calculated risks with controversial but now-cleared players.
- The biggest on-ice value Formenton could offer is on the penalty kill and in depth roles, not as a top-six scorer.
- Keep an eye on how the organization addresses the process change—lack of public clarity could be a distraction.
- If Formenton earns a role, it could push depth forwards further down, which matters for player props and lineup bets.
- Monitor Formenton’s training camp and early regular season usage for a clearer betting picture.
- Formenton’s addition doesn’t change Edmonton’s goaltending outlook—that remains a longer-term question if the Oilers stumble early in net again.
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