How the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case derailed the NHL dreams of five young stars

Once rising names in Canadian hockey, five young players—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—now find their professional careers in limbo as they await a court verdict on July 24, stemming from sexual assault charges tied to a 2018 incident.

What began as a celebration of a gold-medal victory at the World Junior Championships has spiraled into a national scandal that shook Hockey Canada and left the futures of these athletes hanging by a thread.

From NHL hopefuls to legal uncertainty

The allegations relate to a night in June 2018, following a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. According to investigators, the incident occurred in a hotel room, involving a then-unnamed woman and several players.

Now, all five accused have pleaded not guilty, but their absence from NHL rosters and legal entanglements suggest the damage is already done.Michael McLeod, once a top draft pick and playoff hero for the New Jersey Devils, took an indefinite leave in January 2024 and was charged shortly thereafter. He now plays in Russia’s KHL as he awaits his fate.

Dillon Dube had a breakout moment with the Calgary Flames during the 2020 playoffs, but after being charged in early 2024, he too left the NHL.

He signed with Dinamo Minsk in Belarus, his mental health cited as the reason for his initial leave of absence.Carter Hart, who had once been dubbed Canada’s next elite goaltender, now sits without an NHL contract. His career came to an abrupt stop in 2023, shortly before charges were filed. Once backed by the Philadelphia Flyers, he now finds himself as an unrestricted free agent.Both Cal Foote and Alex Formenton sought refuge in European leagues, their North American careers stalled by the court case.

Formenton, notably, left hockey entirely in 2025, taking up construction work in his hometown—a stark contrast to the NHL dream he once lived.Also Read: When will the Hockey Canada sexual assault verdict be delivered? Judge sets crucial July 24 dateAs the verdict approaches, the entire Canadian hockey landscape is holding its breath. The trial’s outcome may not only define the fate of five careers but also reshape how misconduct is addressed within the nation’s most cherished sport.