Acquitted Hockey Star Foote Signs with AHL's Chicago Wolves Amid Resurgence

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Cal Foote, a defenseman acquitted in the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault case, has taken a significant step in reviving his career by signing with the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves. The 26-year-old, who was among five players found not guilty, inked a contract with the team on Monday. Foote joins a growing list of acquitted teammates who have secured new deals. Goaltender Carter Hart recently signed with the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, while forward Michael McLeod penned a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). McLeod, who was also cleared of an additional count, has previously played for the Russian-based team. The other acquittals, Dillon Dube and Alex Formenton, are also pursuing their careers outside of the NHL. Dube spent last season with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL, but has not played this season. Formenton, meanwhile, has been playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss Hockey League since 2022. All five players were initially charged in connection to an incident in London, Ontario, in 2018, while they were part of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team. Foote and McLeod were teammates on the New Jersey Devils, Hart played for the Philadelphia Flyers, and Dube suited up for the Calgary Flames at the time of the allegations. The players became free agents after their respective teams declined to extend qualifying offers, and were eligible to sign new contracts on October 15. With Foote's signing, the hockey community will be watching to see how these acquitted players fare in their respective leagues.