Senators Near Deadline on Formenton Decision as NHL Future Remains Unclear
The clock is ticking in Ottawa, and the Senators have just hours left to make a decision on Alex Formenton. If they don’t re-sign or trade him by Monday, the 24-year-old winger will officially become an unrestricted free agent. All signs point to that being the likely outcome.
Formenton’s situation has been complicated, to say the least. He was one of five players implicated in a high-profile sexual assault case that reached a verdict earlier this year. During the legal proceedings, Formenton stepped away from the game entirely, even taking up full-time work in construction throughout 2024 and into 2025.
But this season marked his return to professional hockey. He rejoined HC Ambrì-Piotta in Switzerland’s National League - the same team he played for during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
So far, though, it’s been a tough road back. Through 20 games, Formenton has managed just nine points and carries a minus-10 rating.
That’s a significant drop-off from the 29 points he put up in 46 games over his previous two seasons in Switzerland.
As the deadline looms, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Ottawa is ready to let his rights expire. Formenton’s NHL path remains uncertain, and while he continues to work his way back into form overseas, a return to North American ice doesn’t appear to be on the immediate horizon.
Around the League: Bruins Shuffle, Penguins Eye Youth Movement
Bruins Send Merkulov Back to Providence
The Boston Bruins made a roster move, sending forward Georgii Merkulov back to the AHL’s Providence Bruins. The 23-year-old didn’t see any NHL action during his latest call-up, which lasted just a few days. He did play in one NHL game earlier this season but didn’t register a point and finished with a minus-one rating.
While his NHL opportunities have been limited, Merkulov has been a key contributor in the minors. He’s tallied 14 points in 17 games with Providence, helping fuel a hot streak for the AHL club.
The Baby B’s have won three straight, outscoring their opponents 17-8 during that stretch. With Merkulov heading back down, Providence gets one of its top offensive weapons back just in time for a busy week ahead.
Penguins May Turn to McGroarty, Broz Amid Bottom-Six Struggles
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins might be nearing a shake-up in their forward group - and it could involve some fresh faces. The bottom-six has been a sore spot all season, and the lack of production is starting to catch up with them. Joona Koppanen, for example, has managed just one assist in 10 games.
That kind of output has opened the door for prospects Rutger McGroarty and Tristan Broz, both of whom are making strong cases down in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. McGroarty, in particular, has been electric, leading the AHL club in points-per-game with seven points in just five outings. Broz has been steady as well, putting up 13 points in 18 games - third-best on the team.
With the Penguins struggling to generate offense when their stars aren’t on the ice, these two young forwards could bring a much-needed spark. McGroarty already has some NHL experience under his belt, having logged three points in eight games last season. Broz, meanwhile, made his NHL debut last week but didn’t hit the scoresheet.
Still, both players offer upside and energy - two things the Penguins could use more of as they try to stay competitive in a tight Eastern Conference race. If the veterans in the bottom-six can’t start producing, Pittsburgh may have no choice but to give the kids a real shot.