ST. LOUIS — Dillon Dube, the only unsigned player among the five members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Team who were acquitted of sexual assault charges in a widely publicized case, has accepted a professional tryout contract with the St. Louis Blues in the American Hockey League (AHL).
St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong confirmed the signing of the 27-year-old on Wednesday. Dube, along with forwards Michael McLeod and Alex Formenton, defenseman Cal Foote, and goalie Carter Hart, were cleared by a judge in London, Ontario, after being charged in connection with a 2018 incident.
Since the trial concluded and all five players returned last summer, only Carter Hart, now with the Vegas Golden Knights, has played in the NHL. Recently, Foote signed with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL, Formenton is playing in Switzerland, and McLeod is in the KHL, based in Russia.
The Blues noted that Dube will join their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, after receiving his work visa. Last season, Dube appeared in 42 games for Dynamo Minsk in the KHL, and he was previously with the Calgary Flames from 2018 to 2024.
Additionally, on Wednesday, St. Louis re-signed Robbie Fabbri to a contract paying him a pro-rated NHL minimum salary of $775,000 and $300,000 in the AHL. Fabbri, who spent his first four professional seasons with the Blues before being traded to Detroit, played last season in Anaheim.
Fabbri’s signing coincides with the Blues placing forward Jordan Kyrou on injured reserve due to a week-to-week lower-body injury.
Fan Take: This move signals the Blues’ commitment to giving players a second chance while bolstering their AHL roster with experienced talent. For hockey fans, it’s a reminder of the complexities players face off the ice and the importance of growth and resilience in the sport.
