Five players who were suspended from the NHL in connection with the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault trial are now eligible to return, with a timeline set for their potential reinstatement. The NHL and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) have reached an agreement regarding the status of Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton.

These five players, who were part of the 2018 World Junior Championship team, were charged in connection with an incident that occurred in London, Ontario, following a Hockey Canada gala. All five pleaded not guilty to the charges. After a two-month trial, Justice Maria Carroccia acquitted them of all charges in July.

Following the acquittals, the NHL stated that the players would remain ineligible to play while the league reviewed the proceedings. Now, an agreement has been reached that allows a pathway for their return.

Under the agreement, the players will remain suspended until December 1, 2025. However, they are permitted to sign contracts with NHL teams starting October 15, 2025. Furthermore, they can begin team conditioning on November 15, 2025. The NHLPA has stated that it considers the "matter closed," indicating that there will be no appeal of the NHL's decision. As part of the agreement, the players have also surrendered their right to appeal the decision.

The NHL released a statement emphasizing that the events that transpired were "deeply troubling and unacceptable". The league further stated that while the players were found not to have committed a criminal offense, their conduct did not meet the standards expected of NHL players. The NHL also took into account the amount of time the players have been away from the game.

The resolution provides a chance for these players to resume their NHL careers. Prior to their arrests in early 2024, Hart was the starting goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, while McLeod, Dube, and Foote were regular NHL players. All five players are now unrestricted free agents and can negotiate with any NHL team. It remains unclear which teams will reach out, but there is speculation that the Flyers intend to speak with Carter Hart's representatives.

It's worth noting that Alex Formenton recently signed with Swiss team HC Ambrì-Piotta through December, raising questions about his immediate plans to return to the NHL.