Sweden’s Färjestad BK announced on Thursday that it is backing out of its contract with defenceman Cal Foote, two days after signing the 27-year-old defenceman.
The club said the decision came after it heard concerns, disappointment and questions about the signing.
Foote was one of five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident that occurred in June of 2018 in London, Ont.
Foote and the others – Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Alex Formenton – were acquitted of the charges last July.
“We are aware of the history. We conducted extensive research and a careful assessment before making our decision. We hold everyone who represents Färjestad BK to high standards and feel confident in welcoming Cal to the club,” sporting director Rickard Wallin said, per a translation earlier this week.
Foote posted four goals and 18 points in 30 games with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves last season, adding three goals and 11 points in 21 playoff games.
He was selected 14th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 draft. He was playing for the New Jersey Devils when he was charged in 2024.
Foote spent the 2024-25 season with Slovakia’s Liptovsky Mikulas HK, scoring three goals and adding 27 assists in 38 games.
In 145 career NHL games with the Lightning, Devils and Nashville Predators, Foote posted five goals and 20 points.
