Defenceman Cal Foote has officially joined the American Hockey League (AHL) team Chicago Wolves, an affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, as announced on Monday. The signing is a standard AHL player contract, marking Foote’s return to competitive hockey after a notable absence from the NHL scene since the 2023-24 season with the New Jersey Devils.
Foote, who was a first-round pick (14th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 NHL Draft, has had a four-season NHL career that also included stints with the Nashville Predators and the Devils. His move to the Wolves comes in the wake of a turbulent period in his career. In 2024, Foote, along with four other players from Canada’s 2018 World Junior team, faced charges of sexual assault linked to an alleged incident in June 2018 in London, Ontario. However, all involved were acquitted of the charges in late July, allowing Foote to focus on his professional hockey career.
With a fresh start in the AHL, Foote aims to regain his footing in the professional hockey world. His experience and skills will undoubtedly make an impact on the Chicago Wolves as they embark on their season. The hockey community remains hopeful for Foote’s successful return to the ice, viewing this opportunity as a chance for redemption and growth in his career.