Accused Team Canada Junior Player Fights Back, Takes Legal Action Against Former Agent & Newport Sports

One-time Ottawa Senators and Team Canada forward Alex Formenton is appealing an arbitration decision that went in favor of Newport Sports Management Inc., and former agent Wade Arnott on his allegations of negligence, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty.

On Feb. 10, lawyer Jason Squire of Lerners LLP, acting for Formenton, brought an application in Ontario Superior Court to set aside the Jan. 13 decision of arbitrator James A. Gross, which had dismissed the claims as time-barred.

Newport and Arnott argue the NHL Players' Association arbitration process should stand, while Formenton argues the matter is in public court.

He says Newport and Arnott continued to negotiate on his behalf after their contract had expired, which makes NHLPA regulations irrelevant.

A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026, when an Ontario Superior Court judge will decide whether to grant Newport and Arnott's motion to stay Formenton's $20.5-million lawsuit against them.

Formenton, who is one of five ex-NHLers charged in connection with an alleged 2018 incident in London, Ontario, initially sued Newport and Arnott in June 2024 over how they handled contract negotiations with the Senators on his behalf.

He claims their wrongdoing resulted in lost revenue for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons and also affected his potential NHL earnings.

He seeks $20 million in damages and $500,000 in punitive damages on the allegation of bad faith by Newport. His claims were not substantiated in court. Arnott and Newport Sports creator Don Meehan would not comment.