Oilers Sign Alex Formenton to One-Year, $850,000 Contract

On Wednesday, the Edmonton Oilers added another piece to their forward group, signing Alex Formenton to a one-year contract worth $850,000. The 26-year-old winger returns to the NHL after spending three of the past four seasons with HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland, where he recorded 33 goals and 52 points in 88 games. The appeal for Edmonton is straightforward: speed, penalty killing and depth scoring at a low cap hit.

Formenton last played a full NHL season with the Ottawa Senators in 2021-22, producing a career-high 18 goals and 32 points in 79 games. He also logged 150:27 on the penalty kill, ranking second among Senators forwards.

Formenton Gives Oilers More Speed

Speed has always been Formenton’s biggest weapon. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, he has the size to complement his skating and could give Edmonton another dangerous option in transition.

He also gives the Oilers additional flexibility in their bottom nine. Formenton can contribute offensively without needing significant power-play minutes, while his penalty-killing experience could make him useful in a checking role.

There is also familiarity within Edmonton’s coaching staff. Associate coach D.J. Smith previously coached Formenton in Ottawa, which should help his transition back to the NHL and give the Oilers a strong understanding of the type of player they’re adding.

At just $850,000, there isn’t much financial risk. If Formenton can rediscover the form that saw him score 18 goals during his last full NHL season, the Oilers could have landed a productive depth winger on a bargain contract. For a team looking to get faster and deeper around its core, Formenton has the tools to be a worthwhile addition.