English
Five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team have each taken different paths since a London, Ontario court acquitted them of sexual assault charges in July 2025. Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod all faced allegations stemming from an encounter at a 2018 Hockey Canada gala. Following their acquittals, the NHL reinstated all five players, clearing them to compete starting December 1, 2025. However, Hockey Canada’s appeal board later ruled that three of the five had breached its code of conduct and extended their bans from national programs accordingly.
Carter Hart and Dillon Dubé Return to the NHL
Hart was the first of the five to re-enter the NHL. He signed a two-year, $4-million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights in October 2025. He returned to game action on December 2 and quickly made an impact. Hart helped Vegas reach the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, posting a 12-4 playoff record alongside a 2.22 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage heading into the title series against Carolina. Despite his on-ice success, Hockey Canada’s suspension keeps him ineligible for national programs until November 10, 2027.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
Dubé became the second player to return to the NHL. He signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the St. Louis Blues on July 1, after first agreeing to a professional tryout with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the Blues’ AHL affiliate, in December. During the regular season, he recorded 20 goals and 17 assists in 46 games with Springfield, then added five goals and three assists across 12 playoff games. Before joining the Blues organization, Dubé had played for Minsk Dynamo in the KHL during the 2024-25 season. His Hockey Canada ban remains in place until November 10, 2028.
Formenton Signs with the Oilers Amid Controversy
Formenton, 26, signed a one-year, US$850,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers on September 9. Before that deal, he had spent three of the previous four seasons playing in Switzerland with HC Ambri-Piotta and sat out one season entirely. The signing drew immediate backlash in Edmonton. An online petition called on the club to cancel the contract, and protesters gathered outside Rogers Arena during the Oilers’ preseason opener against Winnipeg.
The Oilers defended their decision. The team pointed to Formenton’s acquittal, his NHL reinstatement, and what it described as a “lengthy due diligence process.” Notably, the Hockey Canada appeal board ruled Formenton the only one of the five immediately eligible for reinstatement in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs following its review.
Foote and McLeod Pursue Paths Outside the NHL
Foote took a different route after the trial. He signed an AHL contract with the Chicago Wolves in December 2025, recording four goals and 14 assists in 48 games as a defenseman. In July, he signed a one-year deal with Swedish club Farjestad BK, but the club rescinded that agreement just two days later. Foote is next in line among the five for Hockey Canada reinstatement, with his suspension set to expire on November 10.
McLeod remains the furthest from a return to North American hockey. He signed a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL in October 2025, having previously split the 2024-25 KHL season between Omsk and Barys Astana. He is the only one of the five who has not played in North America since the trial concluded. Hockey Canada imposed its longest ban on McLeod, keeping him ineligible for reinstatement until November 10, 2030.
Together, the five players represent a range of outcomes following one of the most closely watched legal cases in recent Canadian hockey history. While some have rebuilt their professional careers quickly, others continue to navigate significant restrictions and public scrutiny.
