NHL Says All 5 Players Acquitted in Hockey Canada Sex Assault Case Can Return to League in December

A composite image of five photographs shows former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team (L–R) Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, and Carter Hart as they individually arrived to court in London, Ont., on April 30, 2025. The Canadian Press/Nicole Osborne

The five hockey players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case will be permitted to return to the NHL after Dec. 1.

The NHL said that the players, who are unrestricted free agents, are permitted to sign with a team on or after Oct. 15 while waiting for full reinstatement.