Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto is facing a significant suspension from the NHL for a gambling-related infraction, according to multiple league sources.
It’s the league’s first gambling-related suspension in the era of online gambling.
Pinto is currently an unsigned restricted free agent and hasn’t played a game for the Senators this season. The 22-year-old had been skating on his own in Ottawa earlier this month while awaiting a new contract. He has since returned home to Long Island, N.Y.
Pinto was a second-round pick by the Senators in 2019. He became a regular in the NHL last season, scoring 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games.
As an RFA, Pinto needs to be under contract by Dec. 1 to be eligible to play in the 2023-24 season. His suspension further complicates that because suspended players still count against their teams’ salary caps, and the Senators don’t currently have room to sign him even to a league-minimum deal.
Exhibit 14.2 of the NHL’s collective-bargaining agreement states: “Gambling on any NHL Game is prohibited.” The league’s constitution allows gambling on other sports.
(Photo of Shane Pinto: Richard A. Whittaker / Getty Images)
