Hockey Canada Trial Verdict Clears Path for NHL Players’ Dec. 1 Return

The NHL announced on Thursday that five players, recently acquitted of sexual assault charges, will be allowed to resume their careers in the 2025-26 season.

Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, and Michael McLeod have been declared unrestricted free agents and are now eligible to sign with any team. Their contracts can be registered by October 15, allowing them to begin training on November 15 and participate in games starting December 1.

The fifth player, Alex Formenton, remains a restricted free agent on the Ottawa Senators’ reserve list. He must negotiate with the team by December 1 to play in the 2025-26 NHL season. Notably, Formenton recently signed with Swiss club Ambri-Piotta, leaving his NHL future uncertain.

All five players were previously part of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team and faced charges related to an alleged incident in a London, Ontario hotel in June 2018.

Following a mistrial and two dismissed juries, Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found the complainant’s evidence neither credible nor reliable, resulting in acquittal on July 24.

Despite their acquittal, the NHL initially deemed the players ineligible due to concerns about their conduct, as stated by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who can impose disciplinary actions for off-ice behavior.

The league clarified that the players’ behavior did not align with its standards and values, even though each of them expressed remorse for their actions during meetings with the league.

The NHL Players’ Association, initially in disagreement with the NHL’s stance, issued a statement consenting to the league’s resolution to avoid prolonged disputes and delays. They are now focused on the players’ return.

Prior to this, Dube, Foote, McLeod, and Hart did not receive qualifying offers in June 2024, making them free agents. Dube, 27, was previously with the Calgary Flames; Foote, 26, and McLeod, 27, played last for the New Jersey Devils; and Hart, 27, served as the primary goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers.

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