Summary:
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto has been handed a 41-game suspension by the NHL for breaking the league’s gambling regulations, marking the first suspension of its kind since the introduction of online gambling. The league’s investigation confirmed that Pinto did not place bets on NHL games. Pinto has expressed remorse for his actions and looks forward to returning to the ice with his team. The Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling and will work with Pinto to provide the necessary support for his return.
Details:
The NHL has suspended Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto for 41 games for violating the league’s gambling rules, as announced in a statement from the league. This suspension is the first of its kind related to gambling since the rise of online gambling.
The league’s investigation found that Pinto did not place any bets on NHL games, and the matter is now considered closed.
Pinto, who is currently a restricted free agent, has acknowledged his wrongdoing and issued an apology to the NHL, the Ottawa Senators, his teammates, the fans, the city of Ottawa, and most importantly, his family. He takes full responsibility for his actions and is eager to return to the ice and join his team.
Before his suspension, Pinto had not played any games during the 2023-24 season. He remains unsigned but is still subject to the suspension, which will be retroactive to the first game of the Senators’ season.
The Senators have expressed their support for the NHL’s gambling rules and state that they remain committed to helping Pinto address his issues and become a valuable contributor to the team and community. They anticipate welcoming him back once the appropriate time comes.
Although Pinto’s situation raises questions as players typically need to be signed by December 1st to play in the current season, his suspension still counts against the salary cap. The Senators face challenges in signing Pinto due to salary cap constraints.
Pinto, originally drafted by the Senators in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, had a successful first full NHL season in 2022-23, contributing 35 points (20 goals and 15 assists) in 82 games.
The exact nature of Pinto’s violation of the league’s gambling rules has not been disclosed.
