Oilers News & Rumours: Formenton, Samanski, Draisaitl & More

The Edmonton Oilers have had an interesting week, with players returning for some skates at Rogers Place, and new players joining the team recently. The Oilers are hoping they can make another deep run, following a disappointing end to their campaign last season with a first round loss to the Anaheim Ducks, and may benefit from a longer offseason where they are well rested.

In this edition of Oilers News & Rumours, we take a look at a recent signing, the role of Josh Samanski, comments from Leon Draisaitl, and more.

Oilers Sign Alex Formenton

The Oilers announced recently that they had signed forward Alex Formenton to a one-year deal.

The #Oilers have signed forward Alex Formenton to a one-year contract with an AAV of $850,000. pic.twitter.com/1DQ14z3Ndu

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 9, 2026

Formenton, who is 26 years old, has 109 NHL games under his belt, where he scored 23 goals and added 16 assists for 39 points. Last season, he played in the National League with HC Ambri-Piotta, where he scored 13 goals and added 10 assists for 23 points through 42 games.

He last played in the NHL in the 2021-22 season with the Ottawa Senators.

The signing comes with some controversy, as Formenton was acquitted last year after being accused of sexual assault from an incident in 2018 involving five players from Team Canada’s World Junior Team.

There is a petition with over 17,000 signatures from Oilers fans asking the team to reverse the signing, showcasing how serious fans are about their dismay of the decision.

Formenton addressed the controversy, saying, “Throughout this whole process I’ve been open and honest about my actions and that has granted me an opportunity today.” He also added that he has had a productive summer of training and skating and feels ready.

General manager Stan Bowman spoke on the signing and acknowledged the Oilers being a team that gives players a second chance, saying, “It is something that has been more than just once or twice with the Oilers is giving people an opportunity to learn from situations and you go through a process,” Bowman said.

Bowman continued, “I think this one is no different than some of the other ones referenced and I think all those people talked about have shown a willingness to try and be good people, be good teammates, be good citizens, be good members of the community and try to give back. Primarily your role is to play hockey or be part of the organization but you’re part of a larger collective in the community, and you want to try and make a positive influence. I think that those people, pretty much across the board, have done that. You’re right that the Oilers have probably been different than some organizations who may not be as willing to do that, and I guess to each their own.”

Josh Samanski: Starting in the AHL?

Combined with the recent Formenton signing, on top of bringing in Mathieu Joseph this offseason, the Oilers may be forced to start Joshua Samanski in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Last season, Samanski played 24 games where he scored two goals and added two assists for four points. He plays a strong defensive game and could be the Oilers’ fourth-line centre of the future, but with all of the new depth, he may not be with the Oilers to start the campaign.

Things can change, but based on how things seem to be turning out, odds are Samanski starts the 2026-27 season as a member of the Bakersfield Condors.

Leon Draisaitl: Supportive of Mike Babcock Hiring

Superstar forward Leon Draisaitl spoke positively of Mike Babcock, praising his communication.

“He doesn’t shy away from telling you straight to your face, he’s a real man about it. We’re all men in here and we all wanna win, we’re all here for the same reason."

Leon Draisaitl on his early impressions of Mike Babcock. pic.twitter.com/M7kI1R7kMH

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 10, 2026

He wasn’t the only one, as Connor McDavid has spoken highly of Babcock all summer, and everyone seems excited to begin the season with him as their new bench boss.

Rogers Place Extended as Oilers’ Home for 10 More Years

Rogers and OEG Sports & Entertainment announced a 10-year stragetic partnership that keeps Rogers Place as the home of the Oilers through 2036.

In their announcement, they announced they will be giving away some tickets to celebrate, stating, “To mark the occasion, Rogers is awarding more than 1,500 Oilers tickets to customers throughout the season, starting with 300 tickets for the Home Opener presented by Rogers on Tuesday, September 29 vs Vancouver.”

As the 2026-27 season approaches, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.