In a dramatic turn of events, five hockey players who recently faced sexual assault charges in the contentious Hockey Canada trial have officially been reinstated by the NHL, paving the way for their return on December 1.

The players—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote—are now unrestricted free agents, free to sign with any NHL team starting October 15. They can kick off their conditioning with a squad by November 15, building excitement as fans anticipate their comeback.

However, Alex Formenton, currently listed as a restricted free agent with the Ottawa Senators, must ink a deal with his team by the same December deadline to be eligible. Complicating matters, he signed a contract with a Swiss team just last week, adding uncertainty to his playing future this season.

All five players were acquitted in a high-stakes court case that revolved around allegations of a serious incident in June 2018. A woman, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, claimed she was assaulted by them in a London, Ontario hotel following a Hockey Canada event. The presiding judge concluded that there wasn’t sufficient credible evidence to support the charges, leading to their acquittal.

Even though the players were cleared in court, the NHL previously emphasized its concerns about the serious nature of the allegations. In a statement released shortly after the trial’s conclusion, the league reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stringent off-ice conduct standards, hinting at potential consequences despite the acquittal.

"The behavior in question is unacceptable and does not align with our league’s values," the NHL stated, reflecting its dissatisfaction with the players' conduct. However, acknowledging their time away from the sport, the league decided to allow their return, asserting that future behavior must reflect their commitment to upholding the NHL's standards.

The NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) expressed a desire to settle the dispute amicably, resulting in the resolution announced, and they're keen to see their players back in action.

Before the legal issues arose, these players were prominent figures in the league. Carter Hart, for instance, had established himself as the starting goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, boasting a career save percentage significantly above the NHL average.

As the date draws near for their return, all eyes will be on these players as they re-enter the sport, hopefully bringing new lessons learned from their tumultuous experiences.