Devils Michael McLeod Cal Foote granted leave 2018 Hockey Canada investigation heats up

Devils' McLeod, Foote on leave due to 2018 sexual assault investigation. Five players directed to surrender. NHL players placed on leave.

New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote have both been granted "indefinite leave of absences" from the team in light of a recent development. This comes after London, Ontario, Police directed five players from their 2018 Canadian World Junior team to surrender in connection with an alleged sexual assault on a woman that occurred over five years ago.

The five unnamed players, who have not been charged, have been given a deadline to report to Ontario at an undisclosed date. McLeod and Foote did not attend the Devils' Sweep the Deck gala Tuesday night and have been unavailable for comment. London Police stated that they are unable to provide an update at this time, and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said there is "nothing the league can say at this time."

The accusations first came to light in May 2022 after Hockey Canada settled a lawsuit with a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by eight CHL players, including members of the 2018 World Junior team, in London in June 2018. The Globe and Mail reported last December that London police had filed an application with the Ontario Court of Justice, stating it had "reasonable grounds to believe that five members of the 2018 world junior hockey team sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel room after a Hockey Canada fundraising gala."

In addition to McLeod and Foote, Flames forward Dillon Dube (mental health reasons) and Flyers goalie Carter Hart (no reasons specified) have also been placed on leave. Senators prospect Alex Formenton, who is playing in Switzerland, was granted leave and returned to Canada, according to HC Ambrì-Piotta.

McLeod has stated, "I am aware of the situation in 2018 and the investigation and I've been cooperative through the entire investigation and process. But since it's still ongoing, I'm unable to comment any further."

Since the allegations were made public in 2022, Hockey Canada has been under fire for its handling of the situation, with the Canadian government temporarily freezing its funding and several sponsors pulling support right before the 2022 World Juniors in August. In April 2023, the Canadian federal government said it would restore its funding "with conditions," per the CBC.

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