The NHL is expected to suspend Ottawa Senators restricted free agent Shane Pinto for 41 games on Wednesday for sports betting-related activity, the first suspension in the league’s 106-year history for gambling. The historic ban also marks one of hockey’s lengthiest suspensions for off-ice conduct.
The NHL Players’ Association did not immediately respond to a request to an inquiry as to whether the union will appeal the suspension.
Pinto, 22, is not currently under contract with Ottawa since a summer-long negotiating squabble left him without a deal through the start of the regular season. The Senators were believed to have been close to agreeing to terms with Pinto on a $2.2 million contract before the organization got wind of a league investigation.
It was not immediately clear when Pinto’s suspension would begin since he remains unsigned. That also may not result in a formal forfeiture of salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, though it will undoubtedly result in a loss of income for Pinto.
The Senators (3-3-0) are six games into the season. If Pinto’s suspension began immediately, and he were to sign a pro-rated contract upon completing his sentence, he would be first eligible to return on Feb. 10, 2024 against Toronto.
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