5 suspended players from 2018 World Juniors scandal can return to the NHL on Dec 1, 2025

This just in, Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Gary Bettman has upheld the suspensions for the five players acquitted in the 2018 World Juniors scandal until at least December 1st, 2025.

From Friedman:

The NHL and NHLPA have agreed that the five players acquitted in the 2018 London sexual assault trial will be suspended until Dec. 1, although they will have the opportunity to sign with NHL teams as soon as Oct. 15, Sportsnet has learned. 

According to multiple sources, the players will not appeal the decision.

Former NHLers Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart were all charged with sexual assault and acquitted in July after a two month-long trial in London, Ontario.

Friedman reports that each of the players met with Bettman sometime in August and that NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh was heavily in favor of full reinstatement for the players.

The NHL released a statement just now:

The NHLPA has also released a statement celebrating the NHL's decision to reinstate the players: