Senators' Shane Pinto Gets Massive Suspension for Gambling Violation

Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto has garnered plenty of attention over the last few months because he is still a restricted free agent and has been the center of trade talk. However, Pinto is now in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. The young forward has received a 41-game suspension for violating the NHL's gambling rules.

Senators’ Pinto to be suspended 41 games for violating NHL gambling rules https://t.co/9AwBdMXfpC
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 26, 2023

According to Elliotte Friedman, Pinto's suspension starts with the first game of the Senators' season, and it is not dependent on him being signed. Therefore, he has already technically served six games of his 41-game suspension.

Told Pinto’s suspension officially begins with Game 1 of Ottawa’s season, and is not dependent on him signing a contract.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 26, 2023

Per Bruce Garrioch, the Sens have stopped contract negotiations with Pinto and have "rescinded all previous offers." Due to this, Pinto will now need to sign his qualifying offer (one-year, $874,125 contract) to play this season.

Am told the #Sens have rescinded all previous offers and Pinto may have to sign his QO to officially begin serving the suspension.
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) October 26, 2023

However, as Friedman noted later, it has now been confirmed that he does not need to be signed to a deal before his suspension begins. This info came out after Garrioch's tweet.

This is the first time that an NHL player has been suspended for gambling.

Pinto, 22, appeared in 82 games last season for the Sens, posting 20 goals, 35 points, and a minus-21 rating.