Senators' Alex Formenton Makes Decision On Immediate Playing Future

Restricted free agent Alex Formenton of the Ottawa Senators has recently extended his contract with HC Ambri-Piotta, a Swiss hockey club.

Initially, the agreement is set to run until the end of the calendar year, with the provision to extend it through the end of the season.

Notably, this contract includes an NHL out-clause, granting Formenton the flexibility to return to the NHL at his discretion.

Alex Formenton is back with Ambri-Piotta with a deal that'll run until Dec. 31 - the end of the Spengler Cup.

The team can elect to keep him around for the duration of the season after. https://t.co/9ckd025zYf

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) October 12, 2023

This move comes after negotiations between Formenton and the Senators failed to result in a contract by the December 1st deadline last season, and he delivered a productive season in Switzerland, tallying 10 goals and 13 points in 22 games.

However, Formenton's return to the NHL remains uncertain due to an ongoing investigation linked to an alleged incident involving him and other members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team.

Over his four-year career in the NHL, the 24-year-old has scored 23 goals and 39 total points across 109 games played.

As of now, no charges or convictions have been made against Formenton in this matter, but both he and HC Ambri-Piotta acknowledge the ongoing investigation.

Alex Formenton has signed a deal to return to Ambrì-Piotta in the Swiss League until Christmas. It can be extended through the rest of the season. #Sens

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) October 12, 2023

The club has reserved the right to review his contractual situation should any new developments arise, while Formenton retains the option to return to the NHL if the investigation concludes similarly to the initial one, in which he was not charged.

This complex situation adds an element of uncertainty to Formenton's professional hockey career.

Formenton is a former second-round pick (47th overall) by the Senators in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Photo Credit:  Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports