Former NHL player Alex Formenton, one of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team accused of sexual assault and awaiting trial, is suing his former agent for more than $20 million for negligence, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. He also said in the lawsuit that his agent “did not provide him with any public relations support.”
According to a statement of claim filed in late September with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Formenton, 25, said his former agent, Wade Arnott of Newport Sports Management, did not adequately advise him when his then-club, the Ottawa Senators On July 5, he offered him a qualifying offer in 2022 that required acceptance by July 15.
Formenton’s statement of claim alleges that Arnott stood his ground in negotiations and warned Formenton that “even without an accepted offer or a qualifying offer extended, his dealings with the Ottawa Senators” were routine and that Alex would have to rely on Wade and Newport Sports to work. reach an agreement to provide favorable offer.”
The Senators “did not make or accept a new offer,” the lawsuit states, and “Alex was ineligible to play in the NHL for the remainder of the season.”
Arnott did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
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The lawsuit does not mention that Formenton was under investigation at the time for his role in an alleged gang rape that made international headlines.
The sexual assault allegations came to light in late May 2022, when it was announced that Hockey Canada had settled a lawsuit brought by a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by players in a London, Ontario hotel room after a Hockey Canada gala. celebrated for winning the 2018 World Junior Championship. The statement of claim does not name the players, they are only listed as “John.”
News of the deal led to parliamentary hearings with the Canadian federal government, as well as investigations by the NHL, Hockey Canada and the London Police Service. On 22 July 2022, London police reopened their initial investigation into the incident.
Formenton was accused of sexual assault in January 2024 along with four other members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Team, including Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod.
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In the statement of claim, Formenton also said that, based on his belief that he would get a new deal, he entered into a lease with then-teammate Josh Norris to rent the $9,000 property in Nepean, Ont.
“As a result of Wade’s statement that the Ottawa Senators would renew Alex’s contract, Alex paid approximately $45,415.00 in rent, in addition to other expenses related to transportation and insurance,” the lawsuit states.
In December 2022, Formenton signed an agreement to play for Swiss team Ambry-Piotta during the 2022-23 season. It claims Arnott indicated he could still sign with the Senators and “asked for a clause in the contract that would allow Alex to return to play with the NHL if Newport Sports and Alex could come to an agreement on a new contract. The NHL will negotiate.
“At no time during the negotiations with Ambry-Piotta did Wade inform Alex of the consequences or potential consequences of a transfer to a European team and the impact this could have on his continued NHL career,” the lawsuit states.
Formenton took a leave of absence from his Swiss team in January 2024 and returned to Canada, where he remains on leave. That same month, Formenton ended her relationship with Arnott, according to the statement. Formenton has reportedly retired from his hockey career and works in the construction industry while living near Barrie, Ontario.
The trial of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team accused of sexual assault is scheduled to begin in September 2025.
