Staios: Alex Formenton will not return to Senators
When speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios revealed that forward Alex Formenton will not be returning to the team.
Staios revealed he had talked with Formenton, but the two parties agreed that it would be best if they went their separate ways.
Steve Staios said he engaged in discussions with Alex Formenton's agent and he will not be returning to the Senators organization.
"Both sides agree it would be best for everybody for a fresh start for Alex." #Sens
“Both sides agree it would be best for everybody for a fresh start for Alex,” Staios said.
Formenton hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2021-22 campaign, as he chose to sign overseas with HC Ambri-Piotta of the National League in Switzerland. He hasn’t played a game since January 2024, when he left the team as part of the sexual assault investigation involving Formenton and four other members of the 2018 Canadian National Junior Team.
Formenton did re-sign with Ambri-Piotta earlier this month on a contract valid through December of the 2025-26 season.
Despite not being a member of the team, the Senators still hold Formenton’s rights until he turns 27 next September. The reason is that Ottawa extended a qualifying offer to the Barrie, Ont. native after his entry-level contract expired following the 2021-22 season. That said, the Sens do have the option to move Formenton to an interested team. Staios stated that he would “gauge the market to see if there’s a trade.”
The 26-year-old played parts of two seasons with Ambri-Piotta, having posted 10 goals and six assists for 16 points in 24 games during the 2023-24 season. In 46 regular-season games with the club, he has notched 20 goals and nine assists for 29 points.
Prior to moving to Switzerland, Formenton spent parts of five years with the Senators, splitting time between the Sens and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Belleville Senators. He played the entire 2021-22 campaign in Ottawa, scoring 18 goals and 14 assists for 32 points. In 109 NHL contests, he posted 23 goals and 16 assists for 39 points.