NHL Awaits decision on Former Players After Sexual Assault Acquittal
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says a decision is expected soon regarding the status of five former Hockey Canada players acquitted in a high-profile sexual assault case.Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Callan Foote were acquitted on July 24 in London, Ont. McLeod was also acquitted of a separate charge of being a party to the offense of sexual assault.
The verdict, delivered over seven years after the alleged incident in a hotel room, concluded a complex trial that sparked national conversation about consent and hockey culture.
Despite the acquittal, the NHL stated the players remain ineligible to play while the league reviews the findings. This decision was criticized by the NHL players’ Association,while Hockey canada maintains the athletes are suspended from all its programs.
Speaking at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas, Daly indicated a decision is anticipated “at some point in the relatively near future,” emphasizing the NHL is taking “the matter very seriously.”
The case revolves around an encounter that occurred in the early hours of June 19, 2018, following celebrations for the Canadian team’s gold medal win at the world junior hockey championship. The players were charged in February 2024.
Hart, formerly a goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, has not played since the 2023-24 season. McLeod and Foote were members of the New Jersey Devils, while Dubé played center for the Calgary Flames and Formenton was a winger with the ottawa Senators.
McLeod has spent the past two seasons in the KHL, while Dubé and Foote participated in the league during the 2024-25 season. Formenton had previously retired but recently signed with a Swiss league team,having also played there in prior seasons.
If you’re in crisis, here are some resources available to you:
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
Sexual Assault Canada: 1-866-737-5173
The Hope for Middletown: 740-373-CARE (2273)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
NHL Updates: Milan Arena, Decentralized Draft, and Dress Code Changes
The National Hockey League recently discussed several key updates regarding the 2026 Winter olympics in Milan, the upcoming NHL draft, and changes to player regulations, including the dress code and fitness testing.
Milan Olympic Arena Access
The Olympic organizing committee in Milan, Italy, is anticipated to gain access to the Milano Santagiulia arena by the end of October, according to recent reports. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-board-of-governors-meetings-updates-1.7629378 The arena, currently under construction (pictured January 15th, 2024, by Luca Bruno/Associated Press), will serve as a venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics hockey events.
Decentralized Draft to Continue
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the league will proceed with a decentralized draft format for the second consecutive year,following its initial implementation in June. despite criticism regarding the length of the first round of the previous draft, Daly stated that a “strong majority” of teams favored maintaining the decentralized approach. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-board-of-governors-meetings-updates-1.7629378 The league plans to implement meaningful production changes to streamline the process, aiming to avoid a repeat of the 4.5-hour first round experienced in June.
Relaxed Dress Code and Fitness Testing Changes
The recently signed collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) includes revisions to the league’s dress code. The changes will allow for more relaxed attire for players when arriving at arenas. While some clubs initially expressed a desire to maintain control over player appearance, Daly indicated that the issue was not a major point of contention. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-board-of-governors-meetings-updates-1.7629378
Furthermore, mandatory fitness testing at NHL training camps will be eliminated following the 2025-26 season. This change represents a shift in the league’s approach to player conditioning and planning.