Alex Formenton is back in the NHL after Mike Babcock's Oilers made one of the offseason's most scrutinized signings.
Edmonton announced Wednesday that Formenton has signed a one-year contract carrying an AAV of $850,000. The deal puts the forward directly into the Oilers' training-camp picture.
This isn't a routine depth signing. Formenton's name carries major attention because of his involvement in the Hockey Canada trial that concluded before his return to the NHL.
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Formenton was acquitted at that trial. Edmonton has now made the decision to give him an NHL contract and a path back into the league.
The forward hasn't played an NHL game since the 2021-22 season. That long absence makes his actual hockey fit almost as significant as the reaction surrounding the move.
Edmonton isn't committing major cap space, but the organization is committing a roster spot and bringing a closely watched player into its locker room ahead of camp.
Mike Babcock now faces an immediate lineup decision
For Mike Babcock, the next question is where Formenton fits. Signing him doesn't guarantee a regular role, and training camp will determine how quickly he can handle NHL pace again.
The $850,000 price tag gives Edmonton flexibility. If Formenton earns a job, the Oilers could add a forward without making a major investment against their cap structure.
But the hockey evaluation won't be simple after such a long NHL absence. Timing, controlled entries, defensive reads and his ability to handle sustained pace will all be under the microscope.
There is also a locker-room component Edmonton cannot ignore. Any player returning after years away has to establish trust, understand his role and fit into a team already carrying serious expectations.
Formenton's last NHL season came four years ago. Edmonton is betting that enough of his game remains intact for him to compete for work in Babcock's forward group.
That makes training camp unusually important. Every line combination, special-teams look and exhibition deployment will offer clues about whether Edmonton sees him as depth or something more.
The Oilers have made the first move. Now Formenton has to show he can turn a controversial return into an NHL roster spot.
Did the Oilers make the right call by signing Alex Formenton?
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