NHL clearance clears the path for five 2018 Canadian world-junior teammates to return to the league. Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod can sign new contracts no sooner than October 15, 2025 and play in games no sooner than December 1, 2025. The league’s independent review found conduct not meeting standards, though the court acquitted the players of criminal charges. Hockey Canada sanctions remain in place, and the players expressed remorse. Expect fantasy attention on Devils’ McLeod and Foote, Flyers’ Hart, and Flames’ Dubé as roles reset in 2025-26.

Fantasy implications center on lines, power-play usage, and the pace of their returns after long absences. Devils fans will watch McLeod and Foote to see if they regain top-9 and PP-time, while Hart’s timing could influence Flyers’ goaltending dynamics. Flames’ Dubé faces an uncertain but potentially rewarding path back into a deeper lineup. The broader culture discussion around Hockey Canada continues to echo in team plans and league policy debates.