Edmonton’s Moral Gamble: The Oilers and the High Cost of Second Chances

OPINION: The Edmonton Oilers are operating on a philosophy of moral flexibility that is becoming the defining characteristic of their front office. Whether this approach secures a dynasty or transforms the franchise into the NHL's ultimate cautionary tale depends entirely on whether the wins eventually outweigh the wreckage of their public image.

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**The Latest Addition**

According to reporting from Sportsnet and CBC News, the Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Alex Formenton to a one-year contract valued at $850,000. Formenton, a 26-year-old native of Barrie, Ontario, is returning to the NHL after four years in exile. He was one of five players involved in a 2018 sexual assault case involving a woman in London, Ontario, following a Hockey Canada gala.

While Formenton was the first of the group to turn himself in to authorities, the legal process culminated in July 2025 when Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found all five players—Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod—not guilty. Justice Carroccia stated that the Crown failed to meet its onus on any counts and found the evidence provided by the complainant to be neither reliable nor credible, as reported by Sportsnet.

Despite the acquittal, the fallout has been severe. CBC News reports that an independent appeal board recently ruled that all five players breached the Hockey Canada code of conduct. While four of the players were recommended for continued suspension from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs, Formenton was the only player deemed eligible for immediate reinstatement.

**A Pattern of Controversy**

Formenton is not an isolated case of the Oilers ignoring red flags. Sportsnet notes a recurring theme in Edmonton's hiring practices, citing a history of giving second chances to individuals facing legal or social controversy. This list includes:

* **Stan Bowman:** The current general manager, whose tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks was marred by a sexual assault controversy. * **Mike Babcock:** A coach who has yet to lead the team in a game but remains a polarizing figure. * **Evander Kane:** A talented winger who, according to Sportsnet, eventually wore out his welcome in Edmonton as he has with previous teams. * **Jake Virtanen:** A player who failed to make it through training camp. * **Craig MacTavish:** In a historical precedent, the Oilers gave MacTavish a second chance in 1985 after he served a year in a Salem prison for vehicular homicide.

**The Rationale: Skill Over Sentiment**

General manager Stan Bowman has been candid about the motivation behind the Formenton signing. Speaking via phone to Sportsnet, Bowman acknowledged the controversy but emphasized the team's immediate needs. With penalty killers Mattias Janmark and Matt Savoie starting the season on the injured list, Bowman sought a premier penalty-killing replacement.

Bowman stated that the list of available UFAs with Formenton's specific skill set—characterized by up-tempo pressure and elite skating—was "very short" or "almost no list." In the 2021-22 season, Formenton tied for the NHL lead with five short-handed goals. Furthermore, the $850,000 contract allows the team to demote him to the AHL Bakersfield affiliate without impacting the salary cap, providing low-risk financial flexibility for a top-heavy roster.

Bowman defended the move by stating that "there are second chances in life" and that the organization believes Formenton is "deserving of an opportunity."

**The Backlash: A Community Divided**

While the front office views this as a hockey decision, the community response has been visceral. CBC News reports an "intensely negative" reaction across social media, with fans expressing feelings of disgust and embarrassment.

Among the most prominent critics is Mary Loewen, a well-known fan dubbed "Mama Stanley" for her sequined Stanley Cup attire during playoffs. Loewen, who identified herself as a sexual assault survivor, announced on Instagram that she will no longer support or cheer for the Oilers as long as Formenton is on the team. Loewen has since launched an online petition calling for the team to terminate its affiliation with the player.

Similarly, the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) issued a statement noting that the signing may be difficult for survivors and members of the community, offering support to those experiencing hard emotions as a result of the news, according to CBC News.

Preston Hodgkinson, a sports journalist for the Daily Hive, told CBC News that while there was pushback regarding the hires of Stan Bowman and Mike Babcock, the reaction to Formenton feels more intense. Hodgkinson expressed bafflement over the decision, arguing that Formenton is a "bottom lineup guy" rather than a star, making the associated "baggage" feel unwarranted given his recent performance in Switzerland with HC Ambri-Piotta.

**The Path Forward**

Formenton, speaking to the media via Sportsnet, expressed gratitude to Stan Bowman, Jeff Jackson, Mike Babcock, and the Katz family for the opportunity. He described the last eight years as a period of "life lessons and maturing," stating his intent to grow as a person and a player both on and off the ice.

As the Oilers prepare for the season, they do so with a roster that reflects a stark divide: a front office prioritizing specific on-ice utility and legal acquittals, and a segment of the fanbase that views the signing as a betrayal of the team's female supporters.