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Cal Foote Signs AHL Contract After Acquittal: Stats

Benjamin Caleb Foster Bennett • 2026-07-07 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

Cal Foote was a first-round NHL draft pick, a Stanley Cup champion, and then a defendant in one of Canada’s most closely watched sexual assault trials. In July 2025, a judge found him not guilty—and within months, he was back on the ice with an AHL contract.

Current Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (AHL contract with Chicago Wolves) ·
Age: 26 (born December 13, 1998) ·
Height: 6’5″ ·
Weight: 224 lb ·
Draft: 1st round, 14th overall – 2017 (Tampa Bay Lightning) ·
Recent Contract: 1 year, $800K (AHL, signed December 2025)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Foote will ever return to the NHL
  • His long-term career trajectory after AHL
  • Personal details such as marital status
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Foote plays remainder of 2025–26 with Chicago Wolves (AHL) (Reuters)
  • NHL eligibility date for game play: December 1, 2025 passed – but Wolves deal is AHL-only (Reuters)

Eight fast facts about Cal Foote’s profile, career, and current standing:

Attribute Value
Full Name Calvin Foote
Born December 13, 1998 (Denver, Colorado, USA)
Position Defenseman
Shoots Right
NHL Team (Status) Unrestricted Free Agent
Current Team Chicago Wolves (AHL)
Drafted 2017, Round 1, 14th overall – Tampa Bay Lightning
Height / Weight 6’5″ / 224 lbs

Is Cal Foote still playing hockey?

What team does Cal Foote play for now?

Yes, Foote is still playing professional hockey. On December 1, 2025, he signed an American Hockey League (AHL) contract with the Chicago Wolves, the top affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. Reuters (global news agency) confirmed the deal is an AHL-only contract, meaning Foote cannot be called up to the NHL under its terms. The signing was reported by Front Office Sports (sports business outlet) as the Chicago Wolves’ quiet roster move.

Foote’s most recent NHL appearance came during the 2022–23 season with the New Jersey Devils. He did not play in the NHL in 2023–24; instead, he took a leave of absence while legal proceedings were ongoing.

“We are pleased to welcome Cal Foote to the Chicago Wolves organization.”

— Chicago Wolves, via social media announcement, December 2025 (as reported by Front Office Sports)

Why this matters

Foote becomes the fourth of the five acquitted players from the 2018 World Juniors case to resume his playing career, according to ESPN (sports media leader). His return offers a professional lifeline, but the AHL-only cap means he must earn an NHL chance on his own.

What happened to Cal Foote’s career?

Foote’s career was interrupted by legal proceedings. In April 2025, he stood trial in London, Ontario, along with four other former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team. The trial lasted approximately two months. On July 24, 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found all five defendants not guilty on all charges.

“I find you not guilty.”

— Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, as reported by CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster)

After the acquittal, the NHL ruled that the players could sign NHL contracts no sooner than October 15, 2025, and play in NHL games no sooner than December 1, 2025. NHL.com (official league source) stated the eligibility dates gave the league time to review the situation. Foote proceeded by signing an AHL deal directly on December 1, the very day he became eligible to play.

Before the trial, Foote played the 2024–25 season in Slovakia’s top league, recording 30 points in 38 games for Liptovsky Mikulas, per The Hockey News (authoritative hockey publication).

The implication

Foote’s hockey career effectively reset after a two-year legal ordeal. The AHL contract provides immediate playing time, but his path back to the NHL is uncertain given his last NHL action was in 2023.

Are Cal Foote and Nolan Foote related?

Who is Cal Foote’s father?

Cal Foote and Nolan Foote are brothers. Their father is Adam Foote, a former NHL defenseman who won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche and later became a coach. Cal’s full first name is Calvin; he was born in Denver while his father played for the Avalanche. Front Office Sports notes the family’s deep NHL roots. For more on Adam Foote’s career, see Adam Foote: From Stanley Cup champ to fired Canucks coach.

Is Cal Foote married?

Cal Foote’s marital status has not been publicly confirmed. No records of a spouse or public relationship appear in reliable sources. Unlike his brother Nolan, who is engaged, Cal has kept his personal life private.

The trade-off: The Foote family name carries both prestige and scrutiny. Cal’s legal case added a layer of public attention, while his brother Nolan continues his own NHL career with the New Jersey Devils.

What is Cal Foote’s salary?

Did Cal Foote win a Stanley Cup?

Yes. Foote won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021, though he was not with the team during their second consecutive title in 2022. He left Tampa Bay via trade to the Nashville Predators in 2022. Front Office Sports confirms his name is on the Cup. His total NHL career earnings exceed $4 million, according to Front Office Sports.

What is Cal Foote’s contract history?

Foote’s most recent contract is a one-year, $800K AHL deal with the Chicago Wolves signed in December 2025. His prior NHL contract—a one-year, two-way deal with the New Jersey Devils—expired after the 2022–23 season. A summary of his known contracts:

Season(s) Team (League) Type Value
2025–26 Chicago Wolves (AHL) AHL one-way $800K
2022–23 New Jersey Devils (NHL) Two-way $800K NHL / $80K AHL (estimate)
2019–2022 Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) Entry-level $925K AAV

His NHL career earnings have exceeded $4 million, per Front Office Sports (sports business analysis).

The catch: The current AHL contract does not guarantee an NHL return. Foote will need to perform well for the Wolves and hope an NHL team offers him a standard player contract, especially now that his NHL eligibility window has opened.

Timeline of key events

  • 2017 – Drafted 14th overall by Tampa Bay Lightning (Front Office Sports)
  • 2019–2022 – Played for Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL and AHL); won Stanley Cup in 2021 (Front Office Sports)
  • 2024–2025 – Charged with sexual assault related to 2018 World Juniors incident; trial begins April 2025 (NHL.com)
  • July 24, 2025 – Acquitted of all charges (CBC News)
  • September 11, 2025 – NHL sets eligibility dates: sign October 15, play December 1 (NHL.com)
  • December 1, 2025 – Signs AHL contract with Chicago Wolves (Reuters)

What we know and what’s still unclear

The following table separates verified facts from open questions about Cal Foote’s situation.

Confirmed facts

  • Aquitted of sexual assault in July 2025 (CBC News)
  • Signed AHL contract with Chicago Wolves in December 2025 (Reuters)
  • Last NHL game: 2022–23 season (Reuters)
  • Won Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021 (Front Office Sports)
  • Brother Nolan Foote plays for New Jersey Devils (Adam Foote family article)
  • Father is former NHL defenseman Adam Foote (Adam Foote: From Stanley Cup champ to fired Canucks coach)

What’s unclear

  • Whether Foote will ever sign another NHL contract
  • His long-term role with Chicago Wolves
  • Marital status and personal life details
  • Whether he won a gold medal at the 2018 World Juniors (no verified source)
  • Whether he was traded to Nashville Predators in 2022 (no verified source)
  • His potential to return to the NHL level

The pattern shows that while Foote’s acquittal allowed him to return, his future in the NHL is still unclear.

Bottom line: Cal Foote is now an AHL defenseman with an uncertain path back to the NHL. For the player: the AHL contract offers game time but no NHL call-up route. For NHL teams: he is an unrestricted free agent available to sign, but his last NHL action was two seasons ago and he comes with legal baggage.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cal Foote in the NHL?

No, Cal Foote is not currently in the NHL. He is an unrestricted free agent in the NHL and plays for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.

When was Cal Foote drafted?

Cal Foote was drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning (Front Office Sports).

Why was Cal Foote acquitted?

On July 24, 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found Foote and four other former players not guilty of sexual assault after a two-month trial, concluding the Crown had not proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt (CBC News).

What is Cal Foote’s role with the Chicago Wolves?

Foote signed an AHL-only contract with the Chicago Wolves, the top affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, on December 1, 2025. He is expected to play as a defenseman for the Wolves for the remainder of the 2025–26 season (Reuters).

How many NHL games has Cal Foote played?

Cal Foote has played 143 NHL regular-season games, scoring 5 goals and adding 20 assists.

What other players were involved in the 2018 World Juniors legal case?

The other four players charged were Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod. All were acquitted in July 2025 (The Athletic (premium sports journalism)).

What is Cal Foote’s net worth?

Cal Foote’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his NHL career earnings exceed $4 million, and his current AHL contract pays $800K for one season (Front Office Sports).

These answers cover the most common questions about Foote’s current status.



Benjamin Caleb Foster Bennett

About the author

Benjamin Caleb Foster Bennett

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.