Edmonton Journal columnist David Staples wants the Edmonton Oilers to consider free agent winger Alex Formenton.
He's not alone in floating it. Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer has raised the same idea twice in recent weeks, most recently with former NHL GM Brian Lawton.
Formenton was charged in connection with a 2018 incident involving a group of Canadian world junior players, a case that went to trial last year in London, Ontario.
A judge acquitted all five players charged, including Formenton, finding the Crown had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
He's been legally cleared to resume his career since, but hasn't played an NHL game since the case became public, spending last season in Switzerland instead.
Staples posted his case for the Oilers on social media this week, framing it strictly as a hockey value argument given how far Formenton's market has fallen.
Source : Edmonton Oilers could use former ex-Ottawa Senator,
Oilers urged to consider controversial Alex Formenton signing
Stauffer described Formenton's game in blunt terms on air.
"Big rangy guy that can skate," Stauffer said. "That was a good, good penalty killer. Didn't think he was particularly great last year in Switzerland, but the reality is, free player."
Lawton didn't hesitate when asked if he'd take the chance himself. "I would not hesitate," he said, though he added he'd want to do his own due diligence first.
Stauffer pointed to Edmonton's history of betting on players carrying baggage elsewhere, name-checking Evander Kane and Corey Perry as reclamation projects that worked out.
Fans reacted fast, and mostly negatively, to even the suggestion showing up in the conversation.
Some have also flagged the inconsistency here. Edmonton previously passed on Carter Hart, viewed as the strongest player among the acquitted group, when he sought a fresh opportunity.
There's no report that Edmonton has actually reached out to Formenton or his representatives. Right now this is media speculation, not a real front-office move.
Formenton, a 2017 second-round pick by Ottawa, posted 18 goals and 32 points in his final NHL season back in 2021-22.
Whatever hockey value he still has, any team that pulls the trigger on this signing is taking on scrutiny well beyond the usual reclamation project.
Nothing here suggests Edmonton is actually close to doing it. But the idea is now out there publicly, and it isn't going away quietly.
Should the Oilers actually sign Alex Formenton this fall?
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