The NHL will look ahead to the judicial course of to play out earlier than making any choices about gamers dealing with sexual assault expenses in a 2018 case involving gamers from Canada’s world junior group that 12 months, Commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned Friday.
Bettman addressed the scenario at All-Star Weekend days after 4 present NHL gamers have been charged by police in London, Ontario, with sexual assault. He referred to as the allegations “abhorrent, reprehensible, horrific and unacceptable.”
Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, and Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames are all on indefinite go away from their groups. Bettman mentioned the league doesn’t take into account it essential to droop the gamers with out pay for the remainder of the season.
“At this stage, probably the most accountable and prudent factor for us to do is await the conclusion of the judicial proceedings, at which level we’ll reply as acceptable on the time,” Bettman mentioned.
Hart, McLeod, Foote and Dube are presently being paid. Bettman identified that every one 4 would not have contracts past this season. Former NHL participant Alex Formenton has additionally been charged.
Attorneys for all 5 gamers have mentioned their shoppers are harmless. London Police have scheduled a Monday information convention to supply an replace on the case.
The NHL launched its personal investigation in 2022 and pledged to launch the findings. Bettman mentioned that investigation took roughly 12 months, ending up final summer time. Deputy Commissioner Invoice Daly added that nothing might be launched whereas the case is ongoing.
