NHL Suspends Five Acquitted Players Until December, Allows Contracts From October

Five former members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote—were acquitted of all sexual assault charges in a high-profile trial due to insufficient evidence and issues with the complainant's credibility. Despite the acquittals, the NHL has suspended these players until December 1, 2025, though they will be eligible to sign contracts starting October 15, 2025. The NHL and NHLPA reached this agreement to avoid a potentially lengthy arbitration process, with Commissioner Gary Bettman meeting the players in August and recognizing the not-guilty verdicts as grounds for their return to play. While the players remain ineligible to play during the suspension, some have continued their careers in overseas leagues. The case has reignited discussions about hockey culture, accountability, and how institutions handle sexual assault allegations, with the NHL conducting an ongoing internal review. This situation continues to impact the league's image and raises questions about the balance between legal outcomes and organizational standards.