Controversial free agent Alex Formenton signs new deal

Forward Alex Formenton didn’t come to term with the Ottawa Senators before the restricted free agent deadline on Dec. 1, however on Wednesday, it was announced that he signed with Switzerland’s Ambrì-Piotta Hockey Club.

Because of the contract stalemate and the fact that an agreement didn’t come in time for the deadline earlier this month, Formenton is ineligible to play in the NHL this season. He was the lone remaining unsigned RFA in the league when the deadline passed.

Some fans and reporters speculated that the failure to reach a contract agreement could have been linked Canada’s 2018 World Junior team that’s under investigation over allegations of sexual assault. There is no indication that Formenton was involved, however, chatter has grown since he never commented on the incident. During that tournament, he scored two goals and posted four points in seven games en route to winning gold with Canada. 

His new team made a point of clarifying his potential involvement in the situation, stating that Formenton fully collaborated with the investigation and that HC Ambrì Piotta considers that there is no reason not to assert the presumption of innocence against him. 

In 79 games last season with Ottawa, Formenton posted 18 goals and 32 points. He was selected 47th overall by the Senators at the 2017 NHL Draft, and has put 23 goals and 39 points in 109 career NHL games.