The NHL suspensions for five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team ended on December 1, 2025, following their acquittal in a high-profile sexual assault trial. Cal Foote signed an AHL contract with the Chicago Wolves, marking the fourth player to secure a professional deal. Carter Hart is set for a potential NHL debut with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Five players—Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, and Dillon Dube—were acquitted in July 2025 of sexual assault charges related to an incident in London, Ontario, after the 2018 world junior championship gala. The NHL suspended them until December 1, deeming their conduct did not meet the league's standards of moral integrity, though it was not criminal. They became eligible to sign contracts on October 15.
Cal Foote, a 26-year-old defenceman, signed an AHL contract with the Chicago Wolves, the affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, on Monday. To join the NHL, he would need an NHL deal. Foote last played in 2024-25 for Liptovsky Mikulas in Slovakia, recording 30 points in 38 games. In 2023-24, he had nine points in 24 AHL games for the Utica Comets before a leave of absence.
Carter Hart, 27-year-old goaltender, signed a two-year, $2 million annual contract with the Vegas Golden Knights in late October. He completed a conditioning stint with the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights, going 1-2-0 with a 3.07 goals-against average and .839 save percentage in three games. Recalled on Sunday, Hart could debut Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Michael McLeod, 27-year-old forward, signed a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk in the KHL in October. He has five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 17 games this season, ranking eighth on the team. McLeod faced an additional charge of being party to the offense but was acquitted on all counts. Last season, he had 19 points in 35 regular-season KHL games and eight in nine playoffs.
Alex Formenton, 26-year-old left winger, signed with HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland's National League in September through December, with an option to extend. In 20 games, he has five goals, nine points, and 36 penalty minutes. His NHL rights remain with the Ottawa Senators as a restricted free agent, but a trade appears unlikely.
Dillon Dube, 27-year-old center, remains unsigned this season. He played 42 games for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL last year, tallying four goals and 11 points. Over six NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames, Dube recorded 127 points in 325 games. The Flames have expressed no interest in re-signing him.
Fan reactions have been mixed, with some expressing outrage over Foote's return to North American hockey, highlighting divisions in the NHL community regarding player conduct and redemption.