Prime Suspect In The 2018 Team Canada Investigation Finds A New Home Overseas

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Mark Parsons
October 13, 2023 (3:13 PM)

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Ottawa Senators RFA forward, Alex Formenton, who hasn't graced the NHL with his presence since the 2021-22 season, has now joined forces with HC Ambri-Piotta, a top-tier team in Switzerland's National League.

Ottawa Senators' LW Alex Formenton [Reserve List] has signed a three-month contract with Ambr�-Piotta (NL), with a club option for the season.

NHL Return Immanent

The deal is initially set to run until December 31st, but it holds an option to stretch out for the entirety of the 2023-24 season. While HC Ambri-Piotta is excited about this addition, they didn't sidestep acknowledging an ongoing North American investigation linked to the 2018 World Junior team. Although no charges or convictions have been directed at Formenton to date, the team remains vigilant. If the investigation's outcome turns in his favor, Formenton might be looking at a potential NHL return.

"The club is aware that there is an ongoing investigation and to date there has been no charge nor conviction against the player. The club reserves the right to review the contractual situation with the player should new elements emerge. The player, for his part, has the possibility of returning to the NHL at any time if the second investigation were to resolve like the first with nothing done. Out of respect for the ongoing investigations, the player and club will not release further statements on the situation."

No Charges Laid

The club, when addressing Formenton's situation in a statement translated from Italian, indicated that the present scenario echoes the past season's. The statement underlined that while there's an active investigation, Formenton remains uncharged and unconvicted. The club also subtly suggested that they might revisit Formenton's contractual terms should new revelations come into the light. However, Formenton has the NHL door ajar, provided the ongoing investigation concludes in a manner similar to a previous one where no action was taken against him. Both the player and the club have opted for discretion, deciding not to comment further on this matter.

If he isn't charged, I can't imagine he'd want to return to a team that did not give him the benefit of the doubt.

A quick flashback to Formenton's performance reveals that the 24-year-old played 22 matches for HC Ambri-Piotta in the last season, securing 13 points, enduring 74 penalty minutes, and recording a plus-three. He also showcased his skills in the 2022 Spengler Cup with the team, guiding them to their inaugural title win in that tournament.

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