Uncertain NHL Futures for Players Acquitted in Sexual Assault Case

(L-R) File photos of Ottawa Senators' Alex Formenton, New Jersey Devils defenceman Cal Foote, New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod, Calgary Flames centre Dillon Dube, and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart. The Canadian Press/AP-Matt Slocum, Noah K. Murray, Matt Slocum, Paul Sancya, Corey Sipkin

The professional futures of the five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team acquitted of sexual assault in a London, Ont., courtroom this week remain up in the air as the NHL conducts an analysis of the ruling.

The NHL issued a statement within hours of the judge’s not-guilty ruling for Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton to say the players are currently ineligible to return to the league.