Alex Formenton Challenges Arbitration Ruling in Agent Dispute
Former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton is seeking to overturn an arbitration decision that dismissed his claims against Newport Sports Management Inc. and his former agent,Wade Arnott. Formenton alleges negligence, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty in how his contract negotiations with the Senators were handled.
Formenton Files Court Submission
on February 10, Formenton’s attorney filed a notice of application in Ontario Superior Court, requesting the court to set aside arbitrator James A.Gross’s decision from January 13. Gross had dismissed Formenton’s claims, citing limitations.
Dispute Over Jurisdiction
The core of the dispute revolves around whether the NHLPA‘s internal arbitration process should govern the matter. Newport and Arnott argue it should, while Formenton contends that because newport and Arnott allegedly continued negotiating on his behalf after their contract expired, the public courts are the appropriate venue.
Hearing Scheduled for 2026
An Ontario Superior Court judge is scheduled to hear arguments on January 22, 2026, regarding Newport and Arnott’s request to stay Formenton’s $20.5 million lawsuit against them.
Claims of Misconduct and Damages
Formenton, now 25, claims he suffered income loss during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 NHL seasons, as well as future potential earnings, due to Arnott and Newport’s alleged misconduct. He is seeking $20 million in damages and an additional $500,000 in punitive damages, accusing Newport of “bad faith and high-handed conduct.”
Details of the Allegations
Formenton’s lawsuit states that after his entry-level deal with the Senators expired in July 2022,he rejected a qualifying offer of $787,500 (U.S.). He alleges Arnott failed to advise him that accepting the offer would have allowed him to negotiate a new contract in January 2023. Moreover, Arnott allegedly did not advise that the qualifying offer could be extended past July 15, 2022, with an agreement from the Senators, nor did Arnott and Newport request such an extension.
According to Formenton, Arnott assured him that negotiations would proceed as usual, even without the qualifying offer in place. This assurance allegedly led to Formenton’s financial losses.
NHLPA Regulations in Question
Newport and Arnott have argued that NHLPA regulations stipulate a six-month window for players to file claims against agents. formenton counters that he and his father were never shown these regulations and were unaware of the six-month limitation.
Legal Context and Background
Formenton was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2017. He signed a Standard Player-Agent Contract (SPAC) with Newport, with Arnott, Meehan, and Pat Morris as guarantors. This contract expired on July 12, 2022.
Formenton Faces Separate Legal Challenges
Its critically important to note that Formenton is also one of five former NHL players facing sexual assault charges in London,Ontario,related to an alleged incident in 2018. He, along with Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, and Cal Foote, are expected to plead not guilty, and a trial is scheduled for April 22, 2025.
Note: Formenton’s allegations against Newport Sports Management and Wade Arnott have not been tested in court.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Formenton’s Legal Battle
The legal proceedings involving Alex Formenton and Newport Sports Management highlight the complexities of player-agent relationships and contract negotiations in professional sports. Stay tuned for updates as this case unfolds.
