Cal Foote has officially signed an American Hockey League contract with the Chicago Wolves, making him the fourth of five players acquitted in the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault case to resume his professional career. The announcement comes months after the players were found not guilty on July 24, 2024, and the NHL subsequently reinstated their eligibility to sign contracts.
The soon-to-be 27-year-old defenseman will begin his journey back to the ice with the Wolves, the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. The signing represents a significant milestone for Foote, who has been sidelined from North American professional hockey since being charged in early 2024 while playing for the New Jersey Devils. The team formally announced the deal on Monday, just as the league’s designated playing eligibility date arrived.
The timeline of the Hockey Canada case and aftermath
The legal saga began in early 2024 when five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team were charged in connection to an incident that occurred in London, Ontario, six years earlier. The trial captivated the hockey world and raised important conversations about player conduct, accountability, and due process. Cal Foote, along with Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, and Dillon Dube, maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.
On July 24, 2024, all five players were acquitted of sexual assault charges, with McLeod also found not guilty of an additional count of being party to the offense. The verdict came after a thorough examination of evidence and testimony, ultimately resulting in a not guilty decision that would reshape the landscape of professional hockey.
Following the acquittal, the NHL announced in September that the players would be eligible to sign new contracts beginning October 15, with playing eligibility starting December 1. This structured timeline allowed teams to evaluate the players while giving organizations time to consider the complex implications of signing individuals involved in such a high-profile case.
Where each acquitted player has landed
Cal Foote joins three of his former teammates who have already found homes in professional hockey after the acquittal. The paths taken by each player reflect different career trajectories and opportunities across the global hockey landscape.
Carter Hart’s NHL return with Vegas Golden Knights
Goaltender Carter Hart was the first to sign, inking a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights in mid-October. As the only player to secure an NHL contract immediately after the window opened, Hart’s signing demonstrated that some franchises were willing to move quickly on players with his talent level. He could make his debut for the Golden Knights as soon as Tuesday, marking a swift return to the highest level of professional hockey.
Michael McLeod’s KHL stability
Forward Michael McLeod signed a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League in October. McLeod had already been playing in the Russia-based league, originally signing with Barys Astana in Kazakhstan before moving to Avangard Omsk. His continued presence in the KHL provides a sense of stability as he rebuilds his career away from the North American spotlight.
Alex Formenton’s European path
Alex Formenton has been playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss Hockey League since 2022, a move that predated the charges. The Ottawa Senators opted not to re-sign him before the legal issues emerged, and he has found a home in Switzerland where he continues to develop his game at a high professional level.
Dillon Dube’s uncertain future
Dillon Dube spent the 2024-25 season with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL but has yet to play this season. The 27-year-old winger remains the only player of the five who has not yet secured a contract for the current campaign, leaving his professional future uncertain as the hockey world watches to see where he might land.
Cal Foote’s journey to the Chicago Wolves
Cal Foote’s path to the Chicago Wolves represents a homecoming of sorts to the American Hockey League, where many NHL players have used as a stepping stone or a place to revitalize their careers. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 225 pounds, the right-shooting defenseman brings size and experience to the Wolves’ blue line.
Career before the charges
Foote was selected 14th overall in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the same organization where his father, Adam Foote, enjoyed a distinguished NHL career. The young defenseman’s journey has been closely watched given his family pedigree and early potential. Before the charges, he showed promise as a two-way defender with the ability to contribute offensively while maintaining strong defensive positioning.
Throughout his NHL career, Foote appeared in 145 games, registering 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points. His most recent NHL action came with the New Jersey Devils, where he skated in 4 games during the 2023-24 season, picking up one assist while maintaining a +3 rating. The Devils, along with the Philadelphia Flyers (Hart’s former team) and Calgary Flames (Dube’s former team), chose not to extend qualifying offers to the players in the summer of 2024, making them free agents immediately following the trial.
AHL experience and development
The move to Chicago provides Foote with an opportunity to rebuild his career in a competitive professional environment. The AHL has long served as a proving ground for players looking to return to the NHL, and a strong performance with the Wolves could put him back on the radar of NHL teams. The Wolves’ affiliation with the Carolina Hurricanes provides a clear path to the NHL if he demonstrates he still has the capability to compete at hockey’s highest level.
For players in his situation, the AHL offers a structured environment with professional coaching, competitive games, and the opportunity to demonstrate both on-ice skills and off-ice maturity. The league’s focus on development and second chances makes it an ideal landing spot for someone looking to rewrite the narrative of their career.
Chicago Wolves roster implications
The Wolves have finalized their 2025-26 roster as they compete in the AHL’s competitive landscape. The team, which serves as the Carolina Hurricanes’ top developmental affiliate, features a mix of prospects and veteran players looking to make an impact.
Current roster highlights include:
- Domenick Fensore: A mobile defenseman who has contributed 3 goals and 8 assists in 13 games this season
- Ryan Suzuki: A forward with 6 points in 16 games who brings offensive creativity
- Felix Unger Sör: The team’s leading scorer with 15 points in 16 games
Adding Cal Foote to this mix gives the Wolves another experienced defenseman with NHL games under his belt. His 6’4” frame provides size on the blue line, something every hockey team values for defensive zone coverage and penalty kill situations. At 26 years old, he brings a veteran presence to what is largely a young roster developing for potential NHL careers.
The road ahead for Foote and the acquitted players
The signing of Cal Foote raises important questions about second chances in professional sports and the delicate balance between accountability and rehabilitation. While the legal system found these players not guilty, the court of public opinion often operates under different standards. The Chicago Wolves’ decision to sign Foote suggests they believe in his ability to contribute positively both on and off the ice.
For the players themselves, the path forward requires more than just strong performance in games. They must navigate media scrutiny, fan reactions, and the challenge of rebuilding their reputations in a sport where community and character matter. The structured timeline imposed by the NHL gave organizations time to evaluate not just hockey skills but the readiness of these players to handle the responsibilities that come with being professional athletes.
What this means for hockey’s future
This situation has already prompted important discussions within hockey circles about player education, support systems, and the league’s role in addressing serious allegations. Teams like Chicago are now tasked with integrating these players while maintaining locker room culture and community relationships. The success or struggles of these players in their returns could influence how future cases are handled by both the NHL and its minor league affiliates.
The hockey community continues to grapple with questions about due process, the presumption of innocence, and appropriate consequences. While the legal proceedings concluded with acquittals, the impact on careers, reputations, and the sport itself will likely be felt for years to come. Organizations must balance giving individuals second chances with meeting the expectations of fans, sponsors, and the broader community.
As Cal Foote takes the ice for the Chicago Wolves, he carries not just his own professional aspirations but also represents a larger conversation about redemption and second chances in professional sports. His performance, conduct, and reception will be closely watched by executives, players, and fans across the hockey world, potentially shaping policies and attitudes for future situations involving players in legal jeopardy.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.