The NHL announced Thursday it’s reinstating five players who were acquitted of sexual assault charges from a 2018 incident involving Canada’s world junior team. Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton can sign contracts starting Oct. 15 and return to games Dec. 1.
The decision comes seven weeks after a judge in London, Ontario found all five players not guilty. The Canadian government told the players’ lawyers last month it wouldn’t appeal the ruling.
None of the players were in the NHL when the 2018 incident occurred.
All five are currently pending unrestricted free agents without contracts. Hart previously played for Philadelphia, McLeod and Foote for New Jersey, and Dube for Calgary. Formenton was playing in Europe. Their former teams let previous deals expire last year after charges were filed.
League Investigation and Response
The NHL launched its own investigation in spring 2022 when the allegations became public.
The league called the events “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” While the conduct wasn’t found criminal, the NHL said the players’ behavior didn’t meet standards of moral integrity.
League officials met with the players after the court verdict. The NHL said the players expressed regret and remorse. Keeping them out until Dec. 1 means they’ll have spent nearly two years away from professional hockey.
Players’ Union Statement
The NHL Players’ Association welcomed the reinstatement decision.
“The players cooperated with every investigation. Upon their full acquittal by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, we initiated discussions with the NHL regarding the players’ return to work,” the union said.
The union added that to avoid further delays, they reached this resolution with the league. “We now consider the matter closed and look forward to the players’ return.”
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said earlier this week an update was coming “in the relatively near future.” He declined to discuss details of the investigation process.
“Obviously, we take the matter very seriously, and that’s why it’s still under review,” Daly said Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Team Response
Philadelphia’s ownership remained cautious about commenting on Hart’s situation.
When asked Thursday in Voorhees, New Jersey, Comcast Spectacor chairman and CEO Dan Hilferty said the team wouldn’t comment yet.
“The NHL’s made it clear they’ll speak first. But right now, we’re not prepared to comment on the Carter Hart situation. The NHL has told us they are running the show.”
Hart, McLeod, Dube and Foote last played NHL games in January 2024 before leaving their teams with charges pending.
It’s unclear how many players will actually be signed when eligible. Hart, a 27-year-old goaltender with significant NHL experience, appears most likely to find a new contract.
