The Ottawa Senators officially relinquished Alex Formenton's NHL rights last month, a roster-rights move reported by Pro Hockey Rumors from Bruce Garrioch's Ottawa reporting.
The decision ends Ottawa's control over the 26-year-old forward after the club had tried to move his rights without finding a deal. PHR's June 20 notes item framed the development as part of a wider Senators offseason file, but the Formenton piece is a completed club-rights action rather than trade speculation.
Senators Move On From Formenton Rights
Formenton has not played in the NHL since 2022. PHR reported that Ottawa had been trying to trade his rights for some time, but the club ultimately relinquished them instead.
The legal context needs careful wording. PHR noted Formenton was part of the sexual assault trial involving five Canadian World Junior players and was ultimately acquitted. This article does not add allegations, legal conclusions or details beyond that verified status.
The hockey result is more direct: Ottawa no longer controls his NHL rights, and any future North American return would have to be handled outside the Senators' reserve-list structure.
Swiss Season Keeps Playing File Active
Formenton has continued playing in Europe. PHR reported that he has spent three of the last four seasons in Switzerland and recorded 23 points in 45 games with Ambri-Piotta this season.
That production does not guarantee an NHL market, but it keeps the roster question from being purely historical. Clubs looking at him would be weighing a player who has recent professional games, no Ottawa rights barrier and a legal background that has already been through trial.
The verified news hook is deliberately narrow: the Senators relinquished Formenton's rights, Ottawa had been unable to move them, he last played in the NHL in 2022, he was acquitted in the related trial, and his recent playing work has been in Switzerland.