Oilers Open Camp Mired in Controversy Around Formenton Signing, Babcock Hiring
Fans launched a petition with more than 60,000 signatures and plan a protest outside Rogers Place over the one-year signing.
- The Edmonton Oilers opened training camp Wednesday amid intense controversy following the signing of forward Alex Formenton, with fans gathering over 64,000 signatures on a petition demanding the team reverse the decision.
- Although acquitted of charges stemming from his involvement in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case, Formenton remains a polarizing figure whose return to the NHL has reignited widespread public criticism and anger.
- On Wednesday, General Manager Stan Bowman defended the one-year, US$850,000 contract, stating the organization "spent as much time as we did going through the details" to ensure the signing was legally sound.
- Head coach Mike Babcock, hired in June, begins Thursday's practices despite his own controversial past, reflecting the organization's established pattern of offering fresh starts to individuals, a reputation Bowman personally supports.
- A protest is planned for the Oilers' first home game at Rogers Place, and the situation remains a major story in the market as many fans appear unsatisfied despite management's belief that Formenton is a worthwhile player.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Oilers' Evan Bouchard gives his thoughts on massive backlash from controversial Alex Formenton signing - "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion"
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard recently opened up about the massive backlash the team faced after signing controversial forward Alex Formenton.
Oilers' Stan Bowman discusses pushback on Formenton signing
As Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman met with reporters Wednesday ahead of the team’s training camp for the 2026-27 season, much of the conversation was focused on the recent signing of forward Alex Formenton. The Oilers signed Formenton to a one-year deal last week, a move that has since been the subject of backlash from the hockey […]
The Toronto Star
Oilers open camp mired in controversy around Formenton signing, Babcock hiring
EDMONTON - After a 2025-26 season full of criticism, from a slow start to a first-round playoff exit, the Edmonton Oilers opened training camp Wednesday mired in new off-ice controversy.
The Edmonton Oilers began their off-ice storm training camp with the arrivals of Mike Babcock and Alex Formenton.
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