Former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton has filed a $20.5 million lawsuit against his former agent Wade Arnott and Newport Sports Management Inc., claiming negligence, breach of contract, and breach of
fiduciary duty. Filed in Ontario Superior Court, Formenton’s lawsuit alleges that the agent’s misconduct cost him earnings from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 NHL seasons, as well as
future potential income. The suit seeks $20 million in damages and an additional $500,000 in punitive damages.
Formenton, along with four other former NHL players, is also currently facing sexual assault charges connected to an alleged 2018 incident in London, Ontario, with all parties opting for a jury trial.
This ongoing legal battle adds complexity to Formenton’s situation.
The lawsuit claims Arnott and Newport failed to provide essential guidance during Formenton’s contract negotiations with the Senators in July 2022, leading him to reject a one-year qualifying offer worth $787,500.
According to the suit, Arnott did not inform Formenton of options that might have allowed him to negotiate a more favorable contract in 2023, nor did he request an extension of the offer.
These alleged oversights, Formenton argues, breached the duty of care expected from a professional sports agency. Neither Arnott nor Newport Sports has publicly responded to the claims.