NHL makes 5 players acquitted of sexual assault charges eligible to sign contract, play this season

By Canadian Press on September 11, 2025.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL says the five players acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in 2018 will be eligible to sign a contract Oct. 15 and play Dec. 1.

The league announced the decision Thursday to reinstate Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart and Michael McLeod a little over a month since a judge in London, Ontario, found them not guilty. They were members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team at the time and not yet in the NHL.

None of the players had current contracts and all are free agents.

The NHL conducted its own investigation beginning in the spring of 2022 when the allegations came to light. It called the events that transpired “deeply troubling and unacceptable” and that while they were not found to be criminal, said the players’ conduct did not meet the standard of moral integrity.

The players met with league officials after the verdict and expressed regret and remorse, the NHL said. Keeping them from playing until Dec. 1 brings their total time away to nearly two years.

The NHL Players’ Association in a statement said it was pleased Dube, Foote, Formenton Hart and McLeod are getting the opportunity to resume their careers

“The players cooperated with every investigation,” the union said. “Upon their full acquittal by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, 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.”

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press

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