Acquitted WJC players targeted online with threats should they return to NHL

The NHL’s decision on Thursday to suspend five players acquitted in the 2018 World Junior sexual assault case has not only sparked debate around the league but also unleashed a wave of threats from fans on social media.

Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote were barred from NHL action until December 1, though they can begin signing contracts as early as October 15. While deputy commissioner Bill Daly urged teams to think twice before signing them — stressing that “demeaning text messages don’t reflect high character even if they don’t reflect guilt” — many fans went far beyond words of caution.

On X, hockey fans openly called for on-ice violence should any of the five attempt an NHL comeback.

“jacob trouba, sam bennett, matt rempe, i am asking for just one favor…”one post read, calling on some of the league’s toughest players to target the suspended group.

Another fan added: “well, yes! exactly! tom wilson and any other tough big guy! your time to shine baby! go on! put on a show pls!”

Others went further still, invoking Chris Kreider’s controversial hit on Carey Price in 2014: “If Kreider could end Carter Hart’s career as he did for Carey…”

The online reaction underscores just how hostile the environment will be if any of the five players do return.

While the NHL and its teams are weighing the legal, ethical, and contractual fallout, fans are already preparing a far more personal response, and one that could make the players’ potential return to the league volatile both on and off the ice.

Four of the five, Dube, Foote, Hart, and McLeod, had active NHL careers until charges were announced in 2023–24. They now sit as unrestricted free agents. Formenton, out of the league since 2022, recently returned to Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta.

Fans are now awaiting to see if one or more the five players will return to the NHL.