The NHL announced on Thursday that the five players who were acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial will be eligible to return to the league when their suspensions conclude on December 1. These players, who are currently unrestricted free agents, will have the opportunity to sign with a team as of October 15 while awaiting full reinstatement.
Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart faced charges of sexual assault but pleaded not guilty during the trial that began in April. McLeod also faced an additional charge of being a party to the offenses. Following a two-month trial in London, Ontario, all five players were cleared of all charges on July 24.
The NHL conducted its investigation into the matter starting in the spring of 2022, describing the events as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” Although the players’ actions were not deemed criminal, the league found that their conduct did not align with the expected moral standards.
After meeting with league officials post-verdict, the players expressed regret and remorse. The NHL Players’ Association welcomed the opportunity for Dube, Foote, Formenton, Hart, and McLeod to resume their careers. The union highlighted the players’ cooperation with the investigations and the subsequent discussions with the NHL, ultimately leading to the resolution announced by the league.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly had previously hinted at an impending update on the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. Regarding specific players like Carter Hart, team officials refrained from commenting, deferring to the NHL as the primary source of information.
Hart, McLeod, Dube, and Foote last participated in NHL games in January 2024 before stepping away due to pending charges. While it remains uncertain how many of the players will secure contracts upon eligibility, Carter Hart, a 27-year-old goaltender with substantial experience, appears to be a strong candidate for signing.
