Legal experts say it’s not as easy as some supporters are demanding that the Flames cut their connection with the 25-year-old player immediately.

content of the article
Rather, Dube is probably going to stay on a paid leave of absence until the end of June, when his contract expires. In Toronto on Friday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman effectively acknowledged as much at a press conference.

“The problem with ending the agreement is that he has only been accused and found not guilty,” Gowling WGL partner in Ottawa and sports law commentator for TSN and Forbes Eric Macramalla said earlier this week. “I would advise everyone who is saying, ‘Hey, get rid of him,’ to be patient as the process takes its course, even if it makes you uncomfortable. You have to give these guys and these people due process. The evidence must be examined and verified. We must investigate the claims and determine if the totality of the evidence justifies a sexual assault conviction.

And it will require a significant amount of time. This will take some time to complete.

Dube is one of the people charged in relation to an investigation involving five players from Canada’s world junior hockey team from 2018, it was confirmed on Tuesday. In June of that year, following a Hockey Canada event in London, there is an allegation of sexual assault.

Dube “will plead not guilty and maintains his innocence,” according to a statement from his attorneys, Louis P. Strezos and Kaleigh Davidson.