The NHL released a statement following the acquittal of five players involved in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial on Thursday.
Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, and Michael McLeod were all found not guilty of the charges they faced in a London, Ontario, court.
The acquittal cleared the five players of criminal liability, but the NHL said it would continue to investigate the matter.
“We will be reviewing and considering the judge’s findings,” the league said in a statement. “While we conduct that analysis and determine next steps, the players charged in this case are ineligible to play in the league.”
Furthermore, the statement deemed the players’ actions to be “unacceptable” even if they were not criminal.
The five players involved in the Hockey Canada trial were not technically suspended from the NHL. They were granted a leave of absence from their respective clubs. The clubs then did not issue qualifying offers to the players, making them UFAs.
The only player who received a qualifying offer was Formenton. The Ottawa Senators player is technically an RFA, with his rights belonging to the Sens.
It remains to be seen if the NHL bans the players involved in the Hockey Canada scandal. Otherwise, they could resume their NHL careers after nearly two full seasons away from the ice.
NHLPA believes Hockey Canada trial players should resume their careers
Following the NHL’s statement, the NHLPA stated that the five players involved in the Hockey Canada trial should be allowed to resume their careers.
Sportsnet quoted the players’ association as stating:
“After missing more than a full season of their respective NHL careers, they should now have the opportunity to return to work. The NHL’s declaration that the Players are ‘ineligible’ to play pending its further analysis of the Court’s findings is inconsistent with the discipline procedures set forth in the CBA.”
The NHLPA concluded its statement by declaring:
“We are addressing this dispute with the league and will have no further comment at this time.”
The NHL and NHLPA could end up locking horns as the league attempts to avoid reputational damage, while the NHLPA fights for the players’ rights.
Why did you not like this content?
Cancel
Submit
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
About the author
” data-lazy=”https://keedag.sportskeeda.com/user-pic/2981390-1716632323-200.jpg?w=200″
alt=”Nestor Quixtan” height=”72″ width=”72″>
Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early ’90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.
Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can’t for stories.
When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.
Quick Links
More from Sportskeeda
Edited by Nestor Quixtan