Former Senator Alex Formenton Returns Pro Hockey Switzerland

Alex Formenton, a former Ottawa Senators forward acquitted alongside four others in a high-profile sexual assault case, has signed a short-term contract with HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss League to relaunch his professional hockey career. His contract runs until the December international break with an option to extend through the season, marking his return after a hiatus during the 2023-24 season when he worked in construction. Although the NHL still holds his rights and he remains ineligible to play due to ongoing league review following the trial, Formenton's move to Switzerland reflects his intent to demonstrate his playing ability for potential NHL consideration. The NHL has stated that despite the acquittal, the players involved remain barred from competition pending further analysis of the judge's findings. Formenton previously played parts of two seasons with Ambri-Piotta and posted strong performance metrics including high skating speed, while his NHL career includes 23 goals and 39 points in 109 games. The league continues discussions on the reinstatement of Formenton and the other four players, maintaining their ineligibility for now due to the sensitive nature of the case and its public revelations.