Senators Set to Lose Formenton’s Rights as Deadline Looms
The clock is ticking in Ottawa, and it looks like the Senators are about to let the timer run out. The team has until Monday to either re-sign or trade former winger Alex Formenton, and all signs point to them doing neither. If that happens-as expected-Formenton will officially become an unrestricted free agent.
Formenton’s situation has been anything but typical. He was one of five players accused in a high-profile sexual assault case that reached a verdict earlier this year. During the legal proceedings, Formenton stepped away from hockey entirely, spending 2024 and part of 2025 working full-time in construction while awaiting his trial date.
But this season marked his return to the ice. Formenton rejoined HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland’s National League, the same team he played for during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.
So far, though, it’s been a rocky comeback. Through 20 games, he’s registered just nine points and holds a minus-10 rating-a noticeable drop from the 29 points he posted in 46 games across his previous two seasons in Switzerland.
With Ottawa poised to lose his rights in the coming days, Formenton’s path back to the NHL feels distant at best. He’ll continue to try and regain his form overseas, but any return to North American hockey remains a long shot for now.
Merkulov Heads Back to Providence as Bruins Stay Hot in the AHL
The Boston Bruins have sent forward Georgii Merkulov back down to the AHL’s Providence Bruins, per Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub. Merkulov didn’t crack the NHL lineup during this most recent call-up, which lasted only a few days. He did make one appearance earlier this season, finishing with no points and a minus-one rating.
While his NHL minutes have been limited, Merkulov has been far more impactful in the AHL. He’s tallied 14 points in 17 games for Providence, where the team is currently riding a three-game win streak and outscoring opponents 17-8 during that stretch. With Merkulov returning to the fold, Providence is getting one of its top offensive weapons back just in time for another busy week.
Penguins May Turn to Youth as Bottom-Six Struggles Continue
The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing some tough questions about their forward depth, and the answer might lie in the AHL. According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Pittsburgh could soon look to inject some youth into their bottom-six forward group, which has struggled to generate offense this season.
Joona Koppanen, for example, has just one assist in 10 games-a stat that underscores the lack of production from the lower lines. That’s opened the door for prospects like Rutger McGroarty and Tristan Broz, who’ve both been turning heads with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
McGroarty leads the team in points-per-game, with seven points in just five contests. Broz, meanwhile, has 13 points in 18 games, making him the third-leading scorer on the team. Both players bring a high-skill element that Pittsburgh’s bottom six has sorely lacked, especially when the top stars aren’t on the ice.
McGroarty already has a taste of NHL action under his belt, having recorded three points in eight games last season. Broz made his NHL debut last week but went scoreless. Still, their AHL production suggests they could offer a much-needed spark if the Penguins decide to give them a longer look at the next level.
With the team still searching for consistency beyond its core, the youth movement in Pittsburgh might not just be coming-it might be necessary.