Cal Foote Has Contract Cancelled 2 Days After Signing
Two days after signing Cal Foote, Swedish team Färjestad BK has backed out of the agreement. The club says it heard concerns, disappointment and questions about the signing.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 30, 2026
Foote was acquitted of sexual assault charges last summer stemming from the 2018 Canadian world jr trial https://t.co/PqLbJdv2O1
"We have heard from and spoken to supporters, members, partners, leaders, employees and others who care about Färjestad BK. Many have shared concerns, disappointment and questions about our decision to sign the player," Färjestad BK wrote in a statement.
SHL team cancelled contract with Foote after fans and employees 'shared concerns & disappointment'
"Our overall perception and assessment based on both the history and the person we met differs from the picture that has been presented in recent days. This meant that we made the decision even though we knew that the signing would arouse emotions and different opinions.
"The developments in recent days have made it clear that the situation has reached a scale that affects people in and around our club in a way that we cannot possibly ignore...
"We have chosen not to proceed with the collaboration with Cal Foote."
Foote, a 6'3", 224-pound defenseman, was one of five players from the Canadian World Junior team in 2018 that was charged in connection with a sexual assault incident at a Hockey Canada event that year.
A trial last summer acquitted all five players. The only one who has thus far returned to play in the NHL is goaltender Carter Hart, who was in goal for the Vegas Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup Finals this past spring.
Foote played a season in the Slovak Extraliga after the charges were brought in 2024, then spent last season with the AHL's Chicago Wolves. He last played in the NHL in early 2024 with the New Jersey Devils. In 145 total NHL games, he recorded 20 points, a +24 rating, and 183 hits and 147 blocked shots.