Edmonton Oilers open training camp after off-season of controversial moves

After a 2025-26 season full of criticism, from a slow start to a first-round playoff exit, the Edmonton Oilers opened training camp Wednesday mired in new off-ice controversy.

Hiring head coach Mike Babcock in June caused a ripple of criticism from Oilers fans but last week's signing of forward Alex Formenton ignited a storm of social media anger. Formenton is one of five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team who was charged and later acquitted of sexual assault.

Some fans, several of them sexual assault victims, have launched a petition asking the Oilers to end their affiliation with Formenton. A protest outside Rogers Place is also planned for the Oilers' first home game.

Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman said everyone is entitled to their opinion, which he respects, but the Oilers did their due diligence before signing Formenton to a one-year, $850,000 US contract.

"We knew going into it that this was something that wasn't going to be universally accepted," Bowman told reporters at a media conference Wednesday morning. "That's why we spent as much time as we did going through the details and doing our due diligence making sure legally it was the right decision to make.

"I understand that people are going to view it differently and that's OK. That's one of the things I'm a big believer in: we don't all have to agree on everything and people are entitled to their opinions and have strong feelings. I totally respect that."

Oilers fans speak out against the team signing Alex Formenton

Bowman said the organization knew the signing would be a "polarizing topic" but after thoroughly looking into the situation the team felt comfortable with it.

"I've had a lot of conversations with Alex," Bowman said. "He's grown a