Players found not guilty in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial are permitted

Players found not guilty in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial are permitted to rejoin the NHL.

A composite image featuring five photographs depicts former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team, from left to right: Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, and Carter Hart, as they arrived at court in London, Ontario, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
NEW YORK — The NHL announced on Thursday that the five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial will be eligible to return to the NHL once their suspensions conclude on December 1.

As unrestricted free agents, these players may sign with a team starting October 15 while they await full reinstatement.