A group of five Canadian NHL players acquitted of sexual assault in a high-profile trial this summer will be able to return to the league on Dec. 1 after serving suspensions, according to a Thursday afternoon report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
According to Friedman, the players' return date is part of a deal struck between the NHL and NHLPA, whereby the players will waive their right to appeal their suspensions. Although the players cannot take the ice until Dec. 1, they can reportedly sign with teams as early as Oct. 15.
