Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto will be suspended 41 games by the NHL for activities related to sports betting, according to a league source.
It is the league’s first gambling-related suspension in the age of online betting.
Pinto is currently an unsigned restricted free agent and has yet to play in a game for the Senators this season. The 22-year-old skated alone in Ottawa earlier this month while waiting for a new contract. He has since returned to Long Island, New York
Pinto was a second-round pick by the Senators in 2019. Last season he became a regular in the NHL, scoring 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games.
The suspension begins retroactively to the first game of the Senators season. Pinto won’t be able to return to the lineup until Jan. 21 in Philadelphia – Ottawa’s 42nd game.
As an RFA, Pinto would normally have to be under contract until December 1st to be eligible to play in the 2023-24 season. This requirement could be waived in this case.
Previously the team didn’t have enough cap space to sign him, but that shouldn’t be a problem now. According to a league source, Pinto will not be paid during his suspension and therefore will not count against the cap until the suspension is fully served.
Exhibit 14.2 of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement states: “Gambling at NHL games is prohibited.” The league’s statutes allow gambling in other sports.
(Photo by Shane Pinto: Richard A. Whittaker / Getty Images)