Accused Former Devils Defenseman Signs in Slovakia

HK 32 Liptovsky Mikulas in Slovakia, a Slovak Extraliga team, announced on Wednesday that former New Jersey Devils defenseman, Cal Foote, has signed a one-year contract.

Foote is one of five NHLers, including former Devils forward, Michael McLeod, who are facing sexual assault charges related to the 2018 Hockey Canada investigation.

Trial won’t likely begin until April 2025. All five parties submitted applications to skip pretrial hearings stemming from the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case.

Before Foote signed with HK 32, he presented his case in his application to resume playing hockey until trial begins.

“I am required to follow a daily and stringent training regimen,” said Foote via The Globe and Mail. “If I am unable to train at this level consistently, my ability to continue playing professional hockey will be jeopardized.”

Foote’s new contract in Slovakia makes him the third of five members to ink a deal that allows him to continue his playing career. McLeod signed in the KHL with Barys Astana and former Calgary Flames forward, Dillon Dubé signed with Dinamo Minsk.

The Devils signed Foote to a one-yer contract in the summer of 2023. He and McLeod took leaves of absences from the Devils in January and since have not had their contracts in the NHL renewed.

Foote skated in just four NHL games last season.

According to The Globe and Mail, “Nearly 30 court days have been scheduled for pretrial hearings that will last until January, none of which the players will be required to attend.

“While the onus is on an accused in Canada to attend criminal court hearings, applications for absences are commonplace, but require permission from a judge. Each of the players swore an affidavit this summer.”

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