Acquitted but sidelined: Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton and Michael McLeod await NHL decision after Hockey Canada scandal verdict

Time of India

2 days ago

Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images
The hockey world was stunned this week when a Canadian court delivered a not guilty verdict in a case that has dominated headlines for years. Five players connected to the 2018 Hockey Canada scandal—Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, and Michael McLeod—were cleared of criminal charges on Tuesday in London, Ontario.
Yet the verdict hasn't brought an automatic return to the NHL. Instead, the league has hit the pause button, opting to review the judge's findings before making any decisions. For fans and teams desperate for clarity, this uncertainty has sparked one question: what happens next for these players?
NHL calls allegations 'unacceptable' as Gary Bettman reviews verdict in Hockey Canada scandal involving Carter Hart and four others
Hours after the ruling, the
NHL
released a statement from its New York offices addressing the situation. The league didn't mince words:
'The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing and the behavior at issue was unacceptable,' the league wrote.
'We will be reviewing and considering the judge's findings. While we conduct that analysis and determine next steps, the players charged in this case are ineligible to play in the League.'
The statement highlights an important reality: when it comes to personal conduct, the NHL doesn't simply follow the courts. Its policy operates independently of legal outcomes. That's why these players haven't appeared in an NHL game since the 2023-24 season, when they were ruled ineligible due to a conduct policy violation—not a conviction.
Which Hockey Canada players are impacted—and when could the NHL reinstate them?
The five players at the center of this story—Foote, Dube, Hart, Formenton, and McLeod—now face an uncertain future. While their legal battle has ended, the league's review process could take days or even weeks.
If Commissioner Gary Bettman reinstates them, expect a rush of interest from NHL teams. Among the group, Carter Hart is the biggest name. The 27-year-old goaltender boasts more than 200 NHL starts and would instantly become a top free-agent target for clubs desperate for depth in net.
The other four—Foote, Dube, Formenton, and McLeod—are also expected to land new deals quickly if given the green light.
What this means for the NHL
While the verdict closes a major legal chapter, the league's decision will shape its reputation for years. Fans and media are watching closely: does the NHL prioritize its integrity policy, or does it open the door for second chances?
The courtroom may have delivered its verdict, but the NHL still holds the final say. Until Bettman and his team complete their review, these five players remain sidelined, and their futures hang in the balance. One thing is clear: the next move by the NHL will be among the most scrutinized decisions in recent memory.
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