NHL Suspensions for Former Junior Team Members
The NHL has confirmed that five former members of Hockey Canada’s 2018 National U-20 Junior Team, who were recently acquitted of sexual assault charges, will face a suspension at the start of the 2025-26 season. The players—Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod—will be permitted to return to the ice on December 1, 2025, as revealed by the league this Thursday.
Background of the Charges
In early 2024, all five were criminally charged in connection to an alleged incident post the 2018 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala in London, Ontario. Following a trial, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled in July that the athletes were not guilty of sexual assault, and McLeod was also acquitted of an additional charge related to the offense.
Despite their acquittal, the NHL had previously declared that the players would not be able to participate in games until reinstated. The players had been on indefinite leave, as four were actively playing in the NHL at the time charges were filed: Dubé was with the Calgary Flames, Hart served as the Philadelphia Flyers’ goaltender, while McLeod and Foote were part of the New Jersey Devils organization. Currently, all five athletes are free agents.
Reintegration Process
Acknowledging that the players have been absent from professional play for a substantial period—nearly two years including the duration of their legal proceedings—the NHL announced that the earliest they could sign contracts would be October 15, 2025. The league stated,
“Given the time elapsed, we recognize the players’ need to reintegrate into the league with a formal structure around their return.”
The NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, noting that the players cooperated fully throughout the investigation process. Following their acquittal, the NHLPA promptly engaged in discussions with the league concerning the athletes’ future in the NHL. The association considers the matter resolved and anticipates the players’ reintegration.
Investigation Insights
Since May 2022, the NHL had been probing the incident described as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” The investigation included not only interviews with the players but also extensive review of relevant documentation and multimedia evidence surrounding the case.
NHL officials indicated that each player conveyed remorse for their actions during discussions with the league after the verdicts. Nevertheless, the NHL affirmed that the players would face structured disciplinary measures as part of their return, underlining the expectation that they maintain professional standards both on and off the ice.
Future Prospects
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly revealed that teams were already inquiring about the former players’ status prior to the announcement of their return.
“While the number of inquiries isn’t extensive, some teams are interested in understanding the situation, much like they would regarding any unsigned players,”
Daly explained during the NHL Player Media Tour in Las Vegas.
With Hart and Dubé expected to attract significant interest from NHL organizations, Dubé, now 27, boasts six seasons with the Flames, including consecutive seasons with 18 goals. Meanwhile, Hart has a solid track record in goal for the Flyers, with a .906 save percentage over 227 games through his six seasons.
