Red Wings reportedly targeting controversial former NHL player

Former NHL player Maxime Comtois involved in the Canadian World Junior Hockey Team sexual assault trial has reportedly received an offer to return to the league.

According to Sports Illustrated, Comtois, who last played in the NHL as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2023-24 season, has received an offer from the Detroit Red Wings to join the club next season.

2018 Hockey Canada Scandal

Five of Comtois' former teammates from the 2018 Canadian World Junior Hockey Team; Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Michael McLeod, were accused of sexual assault. As part of the ongoing trial, group texts exchanged between the accused players and their teammates were released whereby the men addressed the investigation, which also included him.

Comtois has not been formerly accused of any wrongdoing. In 2022, he released a statement on social media emphasizing that he was not involved in the alleged abuse.

Comtois was drafted third overall by the Victoriaville Tigres in the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft. He began his professional career there and registered 26 goals and 34 assists his rookie year. In 2017, the Anaheim Ducks selected him in the second round (50th overall) and played 211 NHL games.

Comtois last appeared in the NHL on May 7, 2024 as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. The team dropped a 4-3 double-overtime decision in the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. He registered six minutes and 19 seconds of ice time in the game.

In the offseason, Comtois signed a one-year contract with HC Dynamo Moscow of the KHL, in the offseason. In 62 games, he registered 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists).

What happens next for Comtois?

It'll be interesting to see what Comtois decides to do. He already has an offer to remain with HC Dynamo Moscow but could be lured back to the NHL by Detroit. He's a smart forward with a two-way style of play, but his aggressive play could be precisely what the Red Wings need right now.