Maple Leafs Could Pursue Coveted Free Agents After NHLPA's Strong Statement
Photo credit: HockeyPatrol
The NHL announced a temporary suspension for the five acquitted World Juniors players, setting up a return date for any potential signing, a compromise between the league and the NHLPA.
The five members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors team acquitted on charges related to the trial, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, & Cal Foote, have had their ineligible status ruled to a temporary one, announced by the NHL.
Originally on an indefinite suspension, the league has set up a return for the five to come back as soon as this season.
NHLPA Issues Strong Statement on Players Return to the League
A statement from the NHL says that the five, who were previously ruled ineligible by the league, will be suspended until December 1st, with all five eligible to sign on October 15th. The news was first reported by Sportsnet.
Given their conduct, we carefully evaluated the players' acquittal in court and the time spent away from the game.
Taking into account that the players have been away from the game for 20 months - including since their acquittals in July -- we have determined that the players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than October 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than December 1, 2025, bringing their total time out of the League to nearly two years.
Taking into account that the players have been away from the game for 20 months - including since their acquittals in July -- we have determined that the players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than October 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than December 1, 2025, bringing their total time out of the League to nearly two years.
Despite the acquittal, the NHL says that the personal conduct of the five players did not adhere to the league's character standards, and despite remorse from the players to the league, the NHL finds sufficient evidence for the suspension to be extended until Dec. 1.
In relying on both our own investigation, and the conclusions reached by Justice Carroccia in her opinion, and the players' acquittal, the League has determined that the conduct at issue falls woefully short of the standards and values that the League and its Member Clubs expect and demand.
Each of the players, based on in-person meetings with the League following the verdicts, expressed regret and remorse for his actions.
Nevertheless, we believe their conduct requires formal League-imposed discipline.
Each of the players, based on in-person meetings with the League following the verdicts, expressed regret and remorse for his actions.
Nevertheless, we believe their conduct requires formal League-imposed discipline.
Judge Maria Carroccia acquitted all five players of all charges, but the questions over the situation itself has continued to bring concern over the character of those involved.
The NHLPA, in a separate statement, say that they consider the matter closed and that the five «have the opportunity to resume their NHL career».
To avoid a protracted dispute that would cause further delay, we reached the resolution that the league announced today. We now consider the matter closed and look forward to the players' return.
Could The Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Any Of The World Juniors Players?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been discussed as one team that could be in on goaltender Carter Hart in previous reports, although as HockeyPatrol reported citing team sources, the Leafs are not looking at Hart as an option at this time.
Forward Alex Formenton has signed in Switzerland, and has his rights owned by the Ottawa Senators. Unsigned are Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, & Cal Foote.
The 27-year-old Dube struggled in his final NHL season with just seven points in 43 games, and with just 11 points in 42 KHL games with Dinamo Minsk.
McLeod had six goals and 19 points in 35 games in Russia between Barys & Avangard, and in his last season in the NHL had 10 goals and 19 points in 45 games.
Foote, a defenseman, had played last season in Slovakia's top division, with three goals and 30 points for Liptovsky Mikulas in 38 games played, 7th in defensive scoring.
None of the players are eligible to sign until their window opens on October 15th, but with teams already having asked about their availability and status, NHL clubs seem to be doing extra due diligence on the case, as the league points out character concerns.
It's not known if the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the teams who have asked on any of the five, but it seems that there are already teams considering the option of signing one of these players, and it'll remain to be seen if any sign in Toronto.
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