Cal Foote signs AHL contract with Chicago Wolves after acquittal

The Chicago Wolves announced the deal on Monday, positioning Foote to resume his career in the American Hockey League after more than a year of uncertainty. This move follows the NHL’s September ruling that allowed the acquitted players to sign new contracts beginning October 15 and become eligible to play starting December 1. The league’s decision came after a London, Ontario court found Foote and his four former teammates not guilty of sexual assault charges stemming from an alleged 2018 incident involving members of Canada’s world junior hockey team.

The journey from charges to contract

The path to this moment began in early 2024 when Foote, then a member of the New Jersey Devils, was charged alongside Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, and Dillon Dube. The charges related to an alleged incident following a Hockey Canada gala in June 2018, when the players were celebrating their gold medal victory at the world junior championships. The case drew international attention, casting a shadow over the sport and raising difficult questions about player conduct, consent, and institutional responsibility.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that the evidence supported a conviction, but after careful deliberation, the judge delivered not guilty verdicts for all defendants. The acquittal opened the door for the players to return to professional hockey, though not without significant professional consequences. The Devils, along with the other players’ NHL teams, declined to extend qualifying offers in the summer of 2024, making them unrestricted free agents and leaving their futures in limbo.

NHL’s measured response and eligibility ruling

The NHL faced immense pressure to balance due process with its commitment to addressing sexual assault and misconduct within the sport. After the acquittals, the league conducted its own review before establishing a clear path forward. In September 2025, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the five players would be eligible to sign with teams beginning October 15, with game eligibility starting December 1.

This measured approach attempted to respect the court’s decision while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. The league’s ruling noted that while the criminal justice system had run its course, teams would need to make their own determinations about signing the players based on their hockey needs and organizational values. The staggered timeline—allowing signings in October but delaying game action until December—gave teams a window to evaluate roster needs and consider the public relations implications.

How the Chicago Wolves opportunity materialized

The Chicago Wolves, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, moved quickly to add Foote to their defensive corps. The Wolves’ front office recognized that Foote’s NHL experience and physical playing style could provide immediate value to their roster. At 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, Foote brings size and defensive awareness that translates well to the AHL level, where he can log significant minutes and potentially earn a call-up.

Foote’s signing represents a pragmatic decision by the Wolves organization. AHL teams operate with different pressures than NHL franchises, focusing primarily on player development and on-ice success rather than the broader brand considerations that influence NHL roster moves. The Wolves have the luxury of evaluating Foote based on his hockey merits while providing him an opportunity to demonstrate that he can be a productive professional after his ordeal.

Comparing the five players’ divergent paths

Each of the five acquitted players has taken a different route back to professional hockey:

• Carter Hart signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in mid-October, becoming the first to secure an NHL contract. The goaltender could make his season debut as soon as Tuesday, representing the highest-profile return among the group.
• Michael McLeod inked a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, returning to the Russia-based league where he played during the 2023-24 season. His contract suggests a longer-term commitment to continuing his career overseas.
• Alex Formenton has been playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss Hockey League since 2022, predating the charges. The Ottawa Senators’ decision not to re-sign him created his current European career path.
• Dillon Dube spent last season with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL but has not secured a contract for the current season, leaving his future uncertain.
• Cal Foote now joins this complex landscape with his AHL deal, positioning himself as the second player to return to North American professional hockey.

What this means for Foote’s career trajectory

The AHL contract provides Foote a crucial opportunity to re-establish himself as an NHL-caliber defenseman. At 27, he remains in what should be his prime playing years, and his 116 games of NHL experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils demonstrates he has the ability to compete at hockey’s highest level.

Success in Chicago could lead to several outcomes. Strong performance might attract interest from NHL teams seeking defensive depth, potentially resulting in an NHL contract later in the season or during the summer. Alternatively, a productive season could position Foote for a more lucrative European contract if NHL opportunities don’t materialize. The AHL serves as both a proving ground and a safety net—a place where he can play high-level hockey while rebuilding his professional reputation.

Fan reaction and community response

The announcement of Foote’s signing has generated mixed reactions across hockey communities. Some fans and advocacy groups have expressed concern about the message his return sends, arguing that acquittal in a criminal case doesn’t necessarily align with the standards professional athletes should meet. Others contend that the legal system found him not guilty and that he deserves the opportunity to earn a living in his chosen profession.

The Chicago Wolves will likely face questions about their decision throughout the season. AHL teams operate with smaller media footprints than NHL clubs, but the controversial nature of this signing ensures heightened attention. How the organization handles community engagement and addresses concerns will be closely watched by other teams considering similar signings.

Legal and ethical implications for hockey

The Foote case and the return of all five players raise important questions about how professional sports leagues handle allegations of serious misconduct. The NHL’s approach—allowing returns after acquittal while giving teams autonomy in signing decisions—represents one model, but it leaves unresolved tensions between legal outcomes and public expectations.

Several key questions remain: Should leagues maintain their own investigative processes separate from criminal proceedings? How should teams balance on-ice needs with community standards? What support systems should be placed for individuals returning after high-profile acquittals? These questions extend beyond hockey, touching all major professional sports.

The road ahead for the Chicago Wolves

Foote will need to integrate into a new team environment while carrying the weight of public scrutiny. His teammates and coaches face the challenge of supporting a player who has been through an ordeal while maintaining focus on team success. The Wolves’ leadership structure will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition.

From a hockey perspective, Foote’s addition addresses a clear need. The Wolves have been working to solidify their defensive pairings, and a veteran with NHL experience can mentor younger prospects while providing stability in key situations. His physical style fits the AHL’s faster-paced, checking-oriented game, and his right-handed shot offers valuable lineup flexibility.

What it means for the championship landscape

Foote’s signing carries implications beyond his personal career rehabilitation. The Chicago Wolves currently sit in a competitive position within the AHL’s Central Division, and adding an experienced defenseman for the stretch run could prove decisive. AHL success translates directly to organizational health for the Carolina Hurricanes, whose prospects benefit from playoff experience.

More broadly, this signing may influence whether other teams take chances on players with similar backgrounds. If Foote performs well and avoids further controversy, it could encourage other organizations to prioritize hockey ability over public relations concerns. Conversely, any misstep would likely make teams more cautious, potentially closing doors for players like Dillon Dube who remain unsigned.

The hockey world’s attention now turns to Foote’s on-ice performance and off-ice conduct as he attempts to write the next chapter of his career. His success or failure will resonate not just in Chicago, but throughout a sport still grappling with how to handle its most difficult questions about player conduct and second chances.