Defenceman Cal Foote is set to resume his professional hockey career in North America, signing a contract with the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves. Foote was one of five players acquitted of sexual assault in the high-profile trial involving members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team.
A New Chapter in the AHL
The Chicago Wolves, the primary affiliate of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, announced the signing of Cal Foote to a standard AHL contract on Monday, December 1, 2025. The 26-year-old defenceman, who will turn 27 on December 13, had been a free agent since the conclusion of the trial earlier this year.
Foote becomes the fourth of the five acquitted players to continue his stalled professional hockey career. His signing follows a pattern of players seeking to move forward after the legal proceedings that dominated headlines across Canada.
Where the Other Acquitted Players Landed
The paths of the other players involved in the trial have diverged since their acquittals. Goaltender Carter Hart signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in mid-October, shortly after the players became eligible for new contracts. Reports indicate Hart could make his debut with the Golden Knights as soon as Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Forward Michael McLeod, who was also found not guilty of an additional count of being party to the offence of sexual assault, secured a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in October. McLeod had played for the Russian club during the previous season.
Alex Formenton, a former Ottawa Senators player, has continued his career with HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss Hockey League, where he has played since 2022. The Senators opted not to re-sign him that year.
To date, only winger Dillon Dubé has not suited up for the 2025-26 season. Dube spent the 2024-25 campaign with Dinamo Minsk of the KHL but has not played professionally this season.
Foote's Professional Journey
Before being placed on a leave of absence when the allegations surfaced, Cal Foote had compiled 145 games of NHL experience. The son of former NHL veteran Adam Foote played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils, recording 20 points and 137 penalty minutes.
None of the five players received qualifying offers from their original NHL teams this summer, following their acquittals in court. This left them as unrestricted free agents, free to sign with any club willing to offer a contract.
The signing with the Chicago Wolves represents a significant step in Foote's attempt to rebuild his career at the professional level in North America. The AHL serves as the primary development league for the NHL, and strong performance there could potentially lead to another opportunity at the highest level of the sport.
