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L. Honein
July 25, 2025  (9:28 PM)

Feb 26, 2022; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Alex Formenton (10) chases the puck as he skates past Montreal Canadiens goalie Andrew Hammond (37) and defenseman Jeff Petry (26) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Following the verdict announced in recent hours, the case of the five players from the 2018 Team Canada World Juniors is once again making major headlines.

No, it didn’t take long..

Yes, there are already several rumors currently swirling.

Now, we have new information regarding the other two “2018 WJC” players who weren’t mentioned in the article above.

It’s Reportedly Over for Alex Formenton and Cal Foote

Unlike their three former teammates, these two are not expected to ever return to the NHL.

“It’s highly unlikely that Alex Formenton and Callan Foote return to the NHL.”

NHL teams have absolutely no interest in them.

The Athletic confirms NHL executives have shown interest in Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, and Dillon Dube.

They report that it is unlikely Alex Formenton, who retired from professional ice hockey over a year ago to work construction, and Callan Foote, who currently plays in Slovakia, return to the NHL.”

– PuckEmpire

So it appears the book may already be closed on those two, but either way, this is a story we will continue to follow closely, as it’s likely unprecedented in NHL history.

Foote, 26, is a 6-foot-3, 224-pound right-shot defenseman who was a first-round pick (14th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017.

He recorded 20 points and 137 penalty minutes in 145 career NHL games.

In 2024-25, while playing in Slovakia, he posted 30 points in 38 games.

Formenton, 25, is a 6-foot-3, 195-pound forward who was a second-round pick (47th overall) by the Ottawa Senators in 2017.

He totaled 39 points and 71 penalty minutes in 109 NHL games.

He played in Switzerland during the 2023-24 season, registering 16 points in 24 games with Ambri-Piotta.

Previously on HabsFanatics

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Rumors Swirl that Two of the Five Team Canada 2018 Players May Never Return to the NHL – Names Revealed

Do you believe these 2018 World Junior Team Canada players deserve a second chance in the NHL?