Five Hockey Canada Players Acquitted, NHL Return Pending Review

Carter Hart and four other members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team were acquitted of sexual assault charges related to a 2018 incident in London, Ontario, after the judge found the complainant's evidence not credible and established actual consent. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the players’ acquittal clears a legal path for potential returns to the NHL, though the league is conducting its own review before reinstatement and eligibility to play. NHL teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vegas Golden Knights, have shown interest in signing Hart, especially given the league's scarcity of reliable goaltenders. The NHL Players' Association supports the players’ return, emphasizing that the not-guilty verdict should allow them to resume their careers. However, the NHL faces a cost-benefit analysis weighing business and reputational risks before permitting their return, and the Crown may appeal the verdict within 30 days. Ultimately, while reinstatement is possible, signing by a team and actual play will depend on further league decisions and team evaluations of the players’ readiness and public relations considerations.