Oilers forward Formenton scores in preseason debut amid ongoing protest over his signing

Alex Formenton scored in his Oilers preseason debut Saturday, helping Edmonton beat Winnipeg 5–2, though the game was shadowed by a fan protest outside Rogers Place over his signing.

Formenton, 27 and six-foot-three, tallied on a backhand deke to make it 4–1 in the second period. Playing alongside Colton Dach and Mathieu Joseph, he registered four shots on net—second only to Connor McDavid—and logged the most shorthanded minutes among Edmonton forwards. In the third period, he drew a penalty when hauled down on a partial breakaway.

More than 100 hockey fans gathered outside the arena before the game, protesting Formenton's signing and calling on the Oilers to reverse the decision. Formenton was acquitted on all charges of sexual assault last year in connection with a scandal involving five members of the 2018 Team Canada World Juniors squad.

When Formenton's goal was announced, the crowd gave a hearty round of applause; his name drew applause again when called later.

Formenton told reporters after the game his focus has been singular. "To be honest, I've been laser-focused on trying to make this team and get better every day. Whatever role I have on this team, trying to perfect that. I've had laser focus on getting better each day. It was nice to get a goal, but it was nice to get the legs moving and get back up to pace. It was a good, well-rounded team effort."

Oilers head coach Mike Babcock was effusive in his assessment. "What a difference-maker he's going to be for us. Elite penalty killer, he puts pressure on the other team. I thought him, Joe, and Dach were unreal. That was my favourite line tonight, by far."

Edmonton also debuted under head coach Babcock in the game, marking the Oilers' first preseason opener under a new bench boss.