Acquitted NHL Players Reach Suspension Agreement: Details and Implications
The NHL and NHLPA have reached an agreement regarding the suspension of five players who were acquitted in a 2018 sexual assault trial in London. The players will be suspended until December 1 but can sign with NHL teams starting October 15. They have waived their right to appeal as part of the agreement. This process avoids the need for a hearing by commissioner Gary Bettman and potential arbitration grievances. Similar negotiations were seen in Shane Pinto's suspension for violating the league's sports wagering policy in 2023.
The players involved in the trial, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart, were acquitted of all charges by Justice Maria Carroccia in July. The NHL had initially stated that the players were ineligible to play while reviewing the judge's findings. Commissioner Bettman met with the players in August, and NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh expressed that the not-guilty verdicts should allow the players to return to action.
All five players were part of the Canadian world junior team and were awarded rings at a gala celebration in London in 2018. An investigation by the London Police Service was opened in 2018 but closed in 2019 due to insufficient evidence. After scrutiny of Hockey Canada's handling of the situation, the London police reopened the investigation in 2022 and laid charges in 2024.
In conclusion, the agreement between the NHL and NHLPA has resulted in the suspension of the acquitted players until December 1, with the opportunity to sign with NHL teams earlier. This resolution avoids a potentially lengthy arbitration process and allows the players to potentially return to action following their acquittal in the trial.