NHL clears a path for five Hockey Canada acquitted players to return, with contract signing allowed on October 15 2025 and on-ice eligibility starting December 1 2025. The league notes the conduct fell short of standards but has laid out a formal reintegration, bringing these veterans back into play after about a 20‑month absence as free agents.

The five are Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart. Formenton recently joined Ambrì Piotta in Switzerland after an extended leave. The NHLPA welcomed the nearing end of disciplinary action, while fantasy players gauge late 2025 roster shakeups and potential value as these players attempt to reclaim roles on their next teams.

With the calendar turning, fantasy managers should monitor goaltending stability for Hart, and potential line changes for McLeod Dube Foote and Formenton. Late returns can create surprise boosts in depth charts and power play units, but the long layoff and team fit introduce significant risk and opportunity as rosters reshape for 2025 26.