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Bowman: Hockey Canada reinstating Formenton played ‘big role’ in Oilers signing

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

By Michael Menzies

Sep 9, 2026, 17:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 9, 2026, 17:52 EDT

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Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said that Hockey Canada’s willingness to reinstate Alex Formenton ahead of the other acquitted hockey players from the 2025 sexual assault trial was a key step before signing the 26-year-old.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug spoke with Bowman after the news of Formenton’s arrival in Edmonton was announced on Wednesday. It’s been met with significant public reaction.

Of the accused members of the 2018 World Junior team on trial, Formenton was reinstated by Hockey Canada immediately in August. Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod were not, ranging from November 2026 in Foote’s case to 2030 in McLeod’s case.

“I think that played a big role for us in our decision-making,” Bowman told Rishaug. “They were certainly the closest to this. They had the most information. So for them to single Alex out as being deserving of reinstatement immediately, we did feel like that played a large role.

“I’ve had a chance to have multiple conversations with Alex and go over lots of things… We’ve reached the decision that we think this is the right move to bring Alex in and help our group.”

Formenton took part in captains’ skates at the Downtown Community Arena on Wednesday alongside many of his new teammates.

After being a second-round pick in 2017 by the Ottawa Senators, he hasn’t played in the NHL since 2021-22. He’s been in the Swiss-A League.

Off the ice, Bowman agreed with the premise that the Oilers have been an organization that looks to give second chances. They’ve certainly not been afraid of the public perception, as Bowman can attest, having been in Formenton’s shoes, needing reinstatement back into the NHL before he could work again.

“You learn from situations, and you go through a process, and I think this one’s no different than some of the other ones you referenced,” said Bowman. “I think all those people you talked about have shown willingness to try to be good people, be good teammates, be good citizens, be good members of the community, and try to give back.

“Primarily your role is to play hockey or be part of the organization, but you’re part of a larger collective in the community, and you wanna try to make a positive influence. I think that those people pretty much across the board have done that.

“You’re right that the Oilers have probably been different than some organizations who maybe aren’t as willing to do that, and I guess to each their own. I’ve been fortunate and been treated well by the organization as well as the community. I’ve loved my time in Edmonton. Fantastic people.

“I think in talking to Alex, he’s very determined here to make a positive impact on his team on the ice, but also off the ice in the community. I know he has a heartfelt desire to make a good impression, and we certainly hope that’s the case.”

Edmonton’s training camp begins on Sept. 15.

Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of PreGaming and Oilersnation After Dark. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4.

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