Senators Rumors: Will Ottawa Bring Back Alex Formenton?
The Ottawa Senators remain at the center of speculation surrounding Alex Formenton’s potential NHL return.
The 25-year-old forward, found not guilty in the 2018 World Junior trial, re-signed with HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland, but his contract only runs until Christmas. While the Senators still hold his NHL rights, president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios declined to comment on whether Ottawa is interested in bringing him back, saying only that it remains a league matter while Formenton is officially ineligible until December 1st.
After being found not guilty for sexual assault — Alex Formenton is coming out of retirement to sign a 3.5 month deal with HC Ambri-Piotta 🇨🇭
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) September 6, 2025
Formenton, 25, last played professionally in 2023-24, with HC Ambri-Piotta, before retiring from ice hockey to become a construction… pic.twitter.com/tWCAvAKvpU
Why Ottawa Hasn’t Closed the Door
Formenton is part of a group of suspended players (along with Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote) who can sign NHL contracts after October 15th but can’t return to action until December.
If the Senators had no interest in Formenton, Staios could have said so directly, but his silence left the door open to two possibilities: signing him or trading his rights. Ottawa tried to move him in the past, but the investigation stalled any interest.
Now, with his legal case resolved and a December signing deadline looming, teams may re-engage.
The Ottawa Senators own the rights to Alex Formenton so whether you like it or not this is Ottawa Senators news today
— Jammy 🐝 (@SensBuzz) September 11, 2025
Worst or Best case scenario (depends on your perspective), Alex Formenton becomes a trade chip for the Senators pic.twitter.com/6m7Lny1eAE
Does Formenton Want to Return to Ottawa?
The other question is whether Formenton even wants to play for the Senators again.
Much has changed since his last appearance with the team in 2022, though he still has friends in the locker room and the organization is under new leadership. Formenton expressed excitement about returning to Switzerland, calling HC Ambri-Piotta “like home,” but it’s clear he signed there with an eye on keeping the door open for an NHL comeback.
Whether that comeback happens in Ottawa, or somewhere else, depends on the league’s ruling and how much interest the Senators truly have in a reunion.
Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
