NEW YORK — Five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial will be eligible to return to the NHL when their suspensions end on December 1, the league announced on Thursday. The players, who are unrestricted free agents, can begin signing with teams on October 15 as they await full reinstatement.

The players involved are Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart. They were charged with one count of sexual assault and pleaded not guilty when the trial commenced in April. McLeod faced an additional charge of being a party to the offences.

After a two-month trial in London, Ontario, the five players were acquitted of all charges on July 24. Following the verdict, the NHL stated that the players would be ineligible to compete while the league reviewed the judge's findings.

The decision to allow their return comes as the NHL prepares for the upcoming season, with the players eager to rejoin the league after a lengthy legal process.