NHL Teams Weighing Moves for Players linked to 2018 Hockey Canada Investigation
LAS VEGAS/RALEIGH, N.C. – As free agency officially began, several NHL teams are considering signing players previously involved in a Hockey Canada investigation stemming from a 2018 incident in London, Ontario.Carter hart, a goaltender, is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights, where he could possibly share duties with Adin Hill.
The Golden Knights’ timeline for any potential signing is intricate by the anniversary of the october 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas, a somber day for the association.The team posted on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledging the anniversary and honoring the 58 lives lost.
Simultaneously occurring, the Carolina Hurricanes’ reported pursuit of forward McLeod has faced pushback. While team members, including captain Jordan Staal, have expressed acceptance of the players’ acquittals – “Those guys have been through the whole thing and came out acquitted,” Staal told The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus – a petition against signing McLeod has garnered over 1,600 signatures as of Wednesday.
Othre players linked to the investigation also face uncertain futures. Dube, who previously recorded 18-goal seasons with the Calgary Flames, had a diminished 2023-24 season with three goals and seven points in 43 games but is reportedly receiving renewed NHL interest.Foote, a right-shot defenseman, split time between the AHL and NHL last season and played in Slovakia before the trial. Formenton is currently under contract with HC Ambrì-Piotta in Switzerland through december and would require a trade of his rights from the Ottawa Senators and a new contract by 5 p.m.ET on december 1 to be eligible to play in the NHL during the 2025-26 season.
McLeod recorded 10 goals and nine assists in 45 games with the New Jersey Devils in 2023-24.
