Alex Formenton’s days with the Ottawa Senators are over.
Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, confirmed on the first day of training camp at the Canadian Tire Centre that the Senators are trying to trade the rights of the restricted free agent forward.
Found not guilty of sexual assault along with four other members of the 2018 Canadian world junior team in July in London, Ont., Formenton re-signed with HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss league earlier this month, which will run through to the Christmas break in December.
Staios confirmed that after speaking with Formeton’s Toronto-based agent, Darren Ferris, the club will try to move the 26-year-old before the Dec. 1 deadline for restricted free agents to sign in the NHL.
“I engaged in discussions with the agent, and I think both sides agree that it would be best for everybody for a fresh start for Alex,” said Staios, who added he hadn’t spoken directly with Formenton.
The league announced last week that the five players — Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Cal Foote and Formenton — are eligible to sign with a team as soon as Oct. 15, but are suspended until Dec. 1.
The Senators still hold Formenton’s NHL rights because they made him a qualifying offer when he became a free agent after the 2021-22 campaign.
Ottawa could simply renounce Formenton’s rights, but the Senators would like to see if they can get something in return.
“We would gauge the market to see if there is a trade,” Staios said.
He chose not to sign the qualifying offer before it expired and then the Senators tried to trade his rights, but there was no interest because of the investigation in London.
Formenton was a second-round draft pick by the Senators in 2017. In 109 regular-season games overall, he posted 23 goals and 16 assists for 39 points.
By signing with Ambri-Piotta, he’s clearly trying to show other NHL teams that he can still play. Court documents from March 2025 stated that Formenton had retired from hockey and was working in construction.
JENSEN AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
One of the biggest questions heading into the first day of camp was the status of defenceman Nick Jensen.
He isn’t expected to start camp, but coach Travis Green said he’s way ahead of schedule. A summer skate is one thing, but the pace will lift at camp.
It has been only four months since Jensen had the major surgery on the hip issue he played through most of the second half of last season. Most players are in the 4-6 month range in their recovery, which means it’s doubtful Jensen will start the year.
“He’s doing well. He’s skating,” Green said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s skating with the group within the next week. He’s progressing nicely.”
Jensen won’t be the only player missing on the first day.
Staios confirmed that veteran centre Lars Eller suffered an abdominal injury getting ready for camp, and has undergone surgery to repair the ailment.
The veteran centre was signed as an unrestricted free agent on July 1 to play a fourth-line role.
“Lars Eller had a minor procedure, so he’s working his way back. He will be skating with the group, we’re just not sure exactly when,” Staios said.
BATTLE ON THE BLUELINE
If Jensen isn’t ready, there will be a good battle for playing time on the back end. Rookie blueliner Carter Yakemchuk will make the next step to pro hockey this season and arrives in camp with an opportunity to play.
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“For the first time in a long time here, there is real competition,” Staios said. “Carter has continued to grow and develop. You can look at his season last year in the WHL and be a little bit misled by the point totals.
“There are certain areas of the game that he has started to round out and pay more attention to. It’s always difficult for that talented of an offensive player at that level because that’s what you gravitate to, because you can dominate the game. We were pleased with his progression.”
To push for a spot, he has to be better defensively. Jordan Spence was brought in from the Los Angeles Kings to play in the top four and Nikolas Matinpalo is poised for more ice time.
“Speaking of committed, (Yakemchuk) has taken a big step off the ice with his training, along with his strength and conditioning,” Staios said. “We’ll see where it’s at. There’s always that question about the young player and putting him in the best position to be successful, so we’ll keep that all in mind.”