Dillon Dube Signs with Blues’ AHL Affiliate Team

Dillon Dube has officially signed a minor-league contract with the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. This announcement was confirmed by Sportsnet on Tuesday. Dube’s signing marks a significant moment, as he is among five players who have resumed their careers following acquittals in a highly publicized sexual assault trial related to Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey Team.

Dillon Dube’s Career Moves

At 27 years old, Dube’s recent hockey journey included a season with the KHL’s Dinamo Minsk in Belarus during 2024-25. While there, he recorded four goals and seven assists, accumulating a total of 11 points in 42 games. During the previous NHL season with the Calgary Flames, Dube notched three goals and four assists in 43 games.

Other Players’ Contracts

The signings of Dube and other players have gained attention as they reflect the ongoing movement within the league. Here are some key signings:

• Carter Hart: The goaltender signed with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights in mid-October.
• Michael McLeod: The forward inked a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk in the KHL.
• Alex Formenton: Formenton has been playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss Hockey League since 2022.

Background on Legal Matters

All players mentioned were charged in January 2024 in connection with a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. Dube played for the Calgary Flames at the time, while Hart was with the Philadelphia Flyers and McLeod was with the New Jersey Devils. These teams chose not to extend qualifying offers to the players during the summer of 2024, making them free agents.

The NHL allowed these players to sign new contracts starting October 15, with an eligibility to play from December 1. The league’s investigation began in 2022 when the allegations first emerged. The outcome of the trial led to the acquittal of these players, facilitating their return to professional hockey.

Dube’s new contract with Springfield offers a chance for him to rebuild his profile after a challenging period, echoing the resolve of his fellow players who are also navigating the complexities of their careers in the aftermath of these events.