The five players acquitted in the sexual aggression trial of Hockey Canada can return to the NHL when their suspensions end on December 1, the NHL announced Thursday.
The players, who are free free agents, can sign with a team on October 15 while waiting for a complete restoration.
Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foot, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart were accused of a position of sexual assault and declared themselves innocent when the trial opened in April.
Macleod had also been accused of a position of being part of the crimes.
The five players were acquitted of all the positions on July 24 after a two -month trial in London, Ontario.
After the ruling, the NHL had said that the players would not be eligible to compete and that the League would review the judge’s findings.
The NHL conducted its own investigation from the spring of 2022 when the accusations came to light. He called the events that occurred “deeply worrisome and unacceptable” and that, although it was not discovered that they were criminals, he said that the behavior of the players did not meet the standard of moral integrity.
The players met with officials of the League after the verdict and expressed repentance and remorse, said the NHL. By preventing them from playing until December 1, it takes their total time for almost two years.
The NHL players association in a statement said it was pleased with Dube, Foot, Formenton Hart and McLeod have the opportunity to resume their careers
“The players cooperated with each investigation,” said the union. “After its entirety by the Judge of the Superior Court Maria Carroccia, we started discussions with the NHL regarding the return of the players to work. To avoid a prolonged dispute that would cause a greater delay, we reached the resolution that the league announced today. We now consider the matter closed and we expect the return of the players.”
