Oilers open camp mired in controversy around Formenton signing, Babcock hiring
The Edmonton Oilers are facing significant backlash from fans following the signing of forward Alex Formenton, who was previously involved in a sexual assault case. General manager Stan Bowman defended the decision as a result of thorough due diligence, despite a petition against the signing reaching 60,000 signatures.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the tension between professional sports organizations' personnel decisions and public ethical standards regarding player conduct.
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. Hiring head coach Mike Babcock in June caused a ripple of criticism from Oilers fans, but last week’s signing of forward Alex Formenton ignited a storm of social media anger. Formenton is one of five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior team who were charged and later acquitted of sexual assault. Some fans, several of them sexual assault victims, have launched a petition asking the Oilers to end their affiliation with Formenton. Some reports say the petition has more than 60,000 signatures. A protest outside Rogers Place is also planned for the Oilers’ first home game.
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