Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto has been suspended 41 games for activities relating to sports wagering, the NHL announced on Thursday.
The NHL didn’t divulge the details of Pinto’s transgression, but stated they found no evidence he wagered on NHL games, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman first reported earlier on Thursday.
The NHL reportedly began its investigation during the summer, which intensified over the past few weeks and forced the Senators to pause contract negotiations with the restricted free agent as the league conducted a hearing into the matter. Pinto, who had 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games in 2022-23, is still without a contract for this season.
DJ Smith-
The league will make its announcement about Shane Pinto soon, but from our perspective, we want to help him and support him in any way we can. When he gets back with us, he’ll be welcomed back with open arms.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) October 26, 2023
According to Friedman, the league sent a memo in March 2022 to league and team personnel that stated NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is authorized to “discipline individuals determined to have engaged in improper gambling activities,” which could include expulsion or suspension for a definite or indefinite period; cancelling any contract that such individual may have; and/or by imposing a fine.
Sources say the #NHL suspension for #Sens RFA Shane Pinto is for sports betting related activity, which would make it the first suspension for sports gambling in league history.@DailyFaceoff
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 26, 2023
More to come.
