Cal Foote Joins Chicago Wolves with New AHL Contract Signing
Cal Foote has taken an important step in his professional hockey journey by signing a new contract with the Chicago Wolves. The team announced this development on Monday. The Chicago Wolves serve as the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Career Background
Foote, a 26-year-old defenseman, has had a notable career in the NHL. He was selected 14th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 NHL Draft. During his time in the NHL, Foote has recorded five goals and 15 assists across 145 games.
Legal Controversy
This signing comes in the aftermath of a high-profile legal case. Foote was one of five former NHL players who faced allegations of sexual assault, stemming from an incident involving Canada’s 2018 World Junior team. In July, he was acquitted when a judge determined that the prosecution could not meet the burden of proof required for a conviction.
- Incident occurred in London, Ontario, in 2018.
- Foote and the other players were charged in 2024.
- The judge found the complainant’s allegations lacked credibility.
Other Players in Similar Situation
Alongside Foote, four other players were also cleared from charges:
- Carter Hart
- Michael McLeod
- Dillon Dube
- Alex Formenton
Carter Hart has signed with the Vegas Golden Knights and has been playing in the AHL since November 15. Formenton is currently competing in the Swiss league, while McLeod is in the KHL. Dube has not yet played this season.
Future Prospects
While Foote’s contract with the Wolves allows him to return to the ice, he would need to secure an NHL contract to compete at that level again. His signing reflects both a fresh start in the AHL and an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after a tumultuous period.