Cal Foote signs new professional contract hours after being reinstated by the NHL

2023/24 was the last time that Cal Foote appeared in the National Hockey League, appearing in 4 games with the New Jersey Devils in that season, posting just one assist in that time.

Now, the 26-year old has taken one step closer towards his long awaited NHL return, as he has officially inked his latest professional contract as he becomes eligible to return to the NHL as of December 1, 2025.

He hasn't officially signed with an NHL team as of yet, but on Monday, the Chicago Wolves, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes have officially signed him to a standard AHL contract.

The 26-year old defenseman has since played in Slovakia, posting 3 goals and 30 points across 38 games with Liptovsky Mikulas HK a season ago, and now, he is one step closer to once again making an appearance in the National Hockey League.

While he has been out of the league for almost two seasons, Foote still has great size at 6-foot-3 and the talent that once made him a No. 14 overall pick in the league by the Tampa Bay Lightning, and with 145 games under his belt, he brings plenty of experience to the AHL club.

Now, it appears to be a matter of when, not if he will once again be in the NHL, and with the Hurricanes looking to be a genuine Stanley Cup threat this season, if he impresses enough with the Wolves, don't be shocked to see him make some appearances at some point in 2025/26.