Canadian hockey players acquitted of assault charges given NHL clearance to return to action on December 1 (Evan Mitsui/CBC) The NHL has confirmed that five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial will be eligible to return to action on December 1. While teams can begin signing them as unrestricted free agents starting October 15, the league emphasized that reinstatement comes only after a lengthy review process and nearly two years away from competition.
The five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial can return to the NHL
Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart were all charged in February 2024 with one count of sexual assault, stemming from a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. McLeod faced an additional charge of being a party to the offence. After a two-month trial, Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found the evidence “not credible or reliable,” acquitting the group on July 24.Despite the acquittals, the NHL stressed that its own investigation concluded the players’ actions “did not meet the standard of moral integrity.” League officials met with the players, who expressed regret and remorse for their behavior. The decision to delay their reinstatement until December extends their absence from the game to nearly two full seasons.The NHL Players’ Association welcomed the resolution, stating: “The players cooperated with every investigation. Upon their full acquittal… we initiated discussions with the NHL regarding the players’ return to work. To avoid a protracted dispute that would cause further delay, we reached the resolution that the league announced today. We now consider the matter closed and look forward to the players’ return.”
NHLPA reacts as players eye October signing window
The ruling has left franchises weighing whether to pursue contracts with the five unrestricted free agents. Hart, a 27-year-old goaltender with substantial NHL experience, is seen as the most likely to draw interest when signings open in October. Still, executives remain cautious, with Comcast Spectacor CEO Dan Hilferty stating Thursday that the Flyers would not comment on Hart’s situation until the league “runs the show.”Deputy commissioner Bill Daly underscored the league’s stance earlier in the week: “Obviously, we take the matter very seriously, and that’s why it’s still under review.”The NHL’s handling of the case reflects its attempt to balance the players’ right to resume their careers with the league’s responsibility to uphold integrity standards. For McLeod, Dube, Foote, Formenton, and Hart, the next chapter begins October 15—though only December will bring their true return to the ice.Also Read: NHL’s latest eligibility rule change could fast-track Penguins prospect Ben Kindel into pro hockey next season