Is there a road back to the NHL for 5 ex-Hockey Canada players not guilty of sexual assault?

WARNING: This article references alleged sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.

When Carter Hart testified in his own defence in the London, Ont., sexual assault trial for the 26-year-old and four other players on the 2018 world junior hockey team, it appeared to be the first step in the rehabilitation of his career.

The second step came immediately after the five were found not guilty last week — when Hart's lawyer said he had been willing to participate in a restorative justice process instead of a criminal trial.

"He was willing to be publicly named and prepared to use his public platform to teach other athletes about how to ensure that their sexual encounters are responsible and thoughtful," Megan Savard said to media outside the courthouse after Justice Maria Carroccia handed down her decisions. 

"Mr. Hart regrets that it took a criminal trial for the truth to come out, but he has learned from the experience and he is committing to sharing what he has learnt with others in his personal circle and in his professional life," Savard said.

What that professional life looks like depends on whether hockey's governing bodies, his peers and the public give him a second chance.

Hart, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod were all playing in the NHL before they were charged with one count each of sexual assault early in 2024: Hart was with the Philadelphia Flyers, McLeod and Foote were with the New Jersey Devils, and Dubé was with the Calgary Flames. Formenton, an Ottawa Senators draft pick, hadn't been in the NHL since 2022, after which he joined a Swiss team.

None of their contracts were renewed after charges were laid early in 2024. All