Alex Formenton Returns to the NHL, Signs with Edmonton Oilers

Alex Formenton, who was acquitted last year in the high-profile sexual assault case involving members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey team, has signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

Formenton was the only one of the five acquitted players whose Hockey Canada suspension was lifted immediately by an independent appeal board last month, allowing him to return to professional hockey.

The 26-year-old forward from Barrie, Ontario, has not played in the NHL since the 2021-22 season. He spent the past few seasons playing in Switzerland.

His return to the NHL comes as his former teammates Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote remain suspended over violations of Hockey Canada’s code of conduct, with their suspensions extending into various years through 2030.