NHL teams face a talent-versus-backlash dilemma as five acquitted players become eligible to sign. Carter Hart is viewed as the clearest on-ice asset likely to attract a strong starting role, while McLeod, Dubé, Foote, and Formenton must navigate reputational risk and varying resumes. The league and PA push for a return, but teams will weigh public reaction against potential production.

For fantasy ecosystems, Hart’s market value could surge on a contender with solid defense; others offer lower, more PR-sensitive upside. Formenton has slid to Europe; the others remain unproven at top-tier levels post-trial, making signing decisions a mix of talent, role certainty, and organizational messaging.

The saga underscores how culture, accountability, and performance intersect in roster-building, creating volatile climate for signings and sudden shifts in fantasy projections as teams balance optics with win-now needs.

The NHL has stated that five players acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in a London, Ontario hotel room seven years ago will remain ineligible to play while the league reviews the judge's findings. The players, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote, all part of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team, were found not guilty by Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia. The league described the allegations as disturbing and the behavior in question as "unacceptable." Notably, McLeod, Hart, Dubé, and Foote were active players during their arrests in 2024, while Formenton has not played since 2022.

A former member of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey team, Brett Howden, is set to finish his cross-examination today in the sexual assault trial involving five of his ex-teammates. The players, including Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from an incident at a hotel in London, Ontario, on June 19, 2018. Howden's testimony revealed he was present in the hotel room but recalled few details of the events.

The ongoing trial of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team has taken a dramatic turn as Brett Howden, a key witness, appears to selectively forget details that could implicate his ex-teammates in a serious sexual assault case. Prosecutors are arguing that Howden's inability to recall critical evidence—specifically, moments that could be damaging to the accused—is disingenuous, especially given his clear memories of the complainant's actions that night.

Defense lawyers, however, argue that Howden's testimony reflects a genuine confusion rather than deceit. The players involved—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Callan Foote—plead not guilty to serious charges related to an encounter with a woman who testified she was intoxicated and felt compelled to participate in sexual activities. As the case unfolds, Howden's statements and potential inconsistencies will be heavily scrutinized, impacting the proceedings significantly.