Insider links acquitted 2018 World Juniors forward to Oilers in cheap signing

The Edmonton Oilers are always looking for ways to add depth without breaking the bank, especially given their salary cap constraints. But the latest suggestion from a team insider has sparked immediate backlash from fans.

David Staples, a well-known Oilers insider, has floated the idea of Edmonton pursuing forward Alex Formenton. According to Staples, Formenton could be available on a bargain contract because his reputation took a significant hit following allegations of sexual assault connected to the 2018 World Juniors scandal. Those allegations were ultimately rejected in court, and Formenton was acquitted.

Formenton, once considered a promising young forward, has been out of the NHL spotlight since the legal proceedings became public. His acquittal means he is legally free to resume his career, but the stigma surrounding the case has reportedly kept teams at a distance.

Staples reportedly framed the potential signing as a low-risk, high-reward move. The logic is straightforward: a player with NHL talent whose market value has cratered due to off-ice controversy could be exactly the kind of depth piece a contending team looks for when cap space is tight.

The reaction from Oilers fans, however, was swift and largely negative. Several commenters pushed back on the idea immediately, with one writing that Formenton "comes with baggage" and dismissing the suggestion outright. Another sarcastically compared the move to bringing back Evander Kane, signaling frustration with the notion of adding players who carry off-ice controversy.

It is worth noting that Staples' suggestion does not appear to reflect any confirmed interest from the Oilers organization. There have been no reports indicating Edmonton's front office has reached out to Formenton or his representatives. This remains, for now, the opinion of one prominent voice in the Oilers media ecosystem.

Carter Hart, who was also acquitted of the charge, is the only one of the five players with a current NHL deal, after signing with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. Dillon Dube is also getting a shot beginning this season, with the St. Louis Blues, on a one-year, one-way deal worth $850,000. Several other teams have reportedly steered clear of those involved, regardless of legal outcomes, due to the public relations risk.

Formenton's NHL future remains uncertain for now, and whether the Oilers or any other team decides to take a chance on the forward will likely depend on how organizations weigh on-ice talent against the complicated optics that come with it.