NHL expected to suspend Shane Pinto 41 games for sports betting related activity

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.