Why Alex Formenton is trending in Canada

Published October 28, 2026 at 11:16 p.m. · 10 sources · 200+ searches today

Alex Formenton is trending because the Edmonton Oilers signed him to a one-year NHL contract in September 2026, reportedly worth US$850,000. The move has drawn fresh attention because Formenton was one of five former Canada world junior players charged in the Hockey Canada sexual-assault case, even though he was acquitted in July 2025.

Key facts

September 2026: Edmonton signed Alex Formenton for one year, reportedly US$850,000.
July 2025: Formenton and four other accused players were acquitted.
October 25, 2026: more than 100 fans protested outside Rogers Place.
A petition against the signing reportedly passed 60,000 signatures and later neared 70,000.

What happened

The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Alex Formenton in September 2026 on a one-year contract reportedly worth US$850,000, the NHL minimum. The signing quickly became a major talking point in Canada because it brought one of the country’s most controversial hockey cases back into the spotlight.

The Oilers’ general manager, Stan Bowman, said Edmonton did due diligence before making the signing. Supporters of the move point to the fact that Formenton was acquitted in July 2025, while critics argue that bringing him back into the NHL still causes harm and anger, especially for survivors of sexual assault.

Why the signing is controversial

Formenton was one of five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team charged in connection with a sexual-assault case linked to an incident after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. The other accused players were Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod.

All five were acquitted in July 2025, but the case remained highly sensitive because of its connection to Hockey Canada and to the public debate about accountability in hockey. That is why a later NHL contract for Formenton has generated renewed criticism, even though the criminal case ended in acquittal.

Public reaction in Edmonton and across Canada

The signing has prompted a strong public response. An online petition opposing it reportedly passed 60,000 signatures and later approached 70,000, though the exact total can vary by date and source.

On October 25, 2026, more than 100 fans reportedly gathered outside Rogers Place before an Oilers home game, urging the team to reverse the signing. The protests show why the story is trending now: it combines a high-profile NHL team, survivor-led opposition, and a case that remains closely watched in Canada.

What to watch next

As of October 28, 2026, the immediate question is whether the Oilers will keep Formenton on the roster and how the team responds to continuing backlash. The controversy is also likely to follow Edmonton through the start of its 2026–27 season.

Formenton is reported to be the third acquitted player from the case to receive an NHL contract, after Dillon Dubé and Carter Hart. Hockey Canada later reinstated Formenton for national-team eligibility, while extending international-play suspensions for several of the other players; those disciplinary decisions are separate from the criminal acquittals.

Frequently asked

Why is Alex Formenton trending in Canada right now?

He is trending because the Edmonton Oilers signed him in September 2026, which renewed debate about the Hockey Canada sexual-assault case and his July 2025 acquittal.

Was Alex Formenton found guilty?

No. Formenton and four other accused players were acquitted in July 2025 in the criminal case linked to the 2018 world junior allegations.

How much is Alex Formenton’s Oilers contract worth?

The reported deal is a one-year contract worth US$850,000, which is the NHL minimum.

Why are people protesting the signing?

Critics say the Oilers’ decision brings the case back into focus and is upsetting for sexual-assault survivors and supporters. More than 100 fans reportedly protested outside Rogers Place on October 25, 2026.

Sources

Researched automatically from live news and written by Simpledot's AI; facts are limited to what the sources above report as of the published time. Spot an error? Tell us.