Ottawa Senators Face Backlash for Not Re-signing Alex Formenton After Acquittal
The Ottawa Senators have faced a storm of controversy following their decision not to re-sign Alex Formenton. The forward was among five players acquitted in a 2018 sexual assault trial, which has left fans divided. Meanwhile, Formenton has moved on to play for HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland.
The trial, which took place in 2021, stemmed from an encounter in a hotel room during the 2018 world junior hockey championship. All accused players were later acquitted. However, the acquittal did little to quell the outrage among some Sens fans like Jules Wong, who believe the players should no longer be part of the NHL due to their past behaviour.
The Senators parted ways with Formenton on Sept. 17, 2023, and he was not signed by another NHL club. Instead, he signed a contract with Swiss club Ambri-Piotta, which runs until December 2025 with an option to extend. The team's general manager, Steve Staios, stated that both parties agreed a fresh start would be best for Formenton.
The NHL's decision to allow players to sign with teams starting Oct. 15 and play in the league starting Dec. 1 has raised questions about Formenton's future. Some fans, like Joan Wiggins, feel the team should have given Formenton a chance to prove himself with their AHL affiliate team, given the court's ruling.
The Senators' decision not to re-sign Formenton has sparked debate among fans, with some understanding the team's stance and others believing Formenton deserved another chance. Meanwhile, Formenton continues his career in Switzerland, and the NHL's upcoming season could potentially see him return to North America.
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