It's playoffs or bust for the Ottawa Senators in 2023-24. Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens preview their season. Shane Pinto [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwOTEwMTQ2NjAyMjgwMTQw/usatsi_20222732_168400847_lowres.jpg] Shane Pinto The Ottawa Senators will be without one of their top young centers for even longer than expected. Senators forward Shane Pinto is suspended a whopping 41 games by the NHL for "activities relating to sports wagering," according to a report by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/senators-pinto-to-be-suspended-41-games-for-violating-nhl-gambling-rules/] and later announced by the NHL. "The league's investigation found no evidence that Pinto made any wagers on NHL games," the NHL's statement said. "The NHL considers this matter closed, absent the emergence of new information, and will have no further comment." Pinto had not yet played this season due to a contract dispute, as the RFA remained at a stalemate with the Senators over his next deal that began over the summer. The Senators only have about $51,000 in cap space currently, according to PuckPedia. Pinto, 22, released a statement apologizing to the NHL, Senators teammates, fans, Ottawa and family following the announcement. "I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team," he said in a statement shared by the Senators [https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/statement-shane-pinto]. The team said it was made aware of the investigation into the matter, completed yesterday. "Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an engaging, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that have resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League," said the team statement. "We know he is remorseful for his mistakes." Sources indicate to The Hockey News the Senators have now rescinded all contract offers to Pinto amid this suspension. Normally, NHLers must be under contract in order to serve suspensions, but Friedman and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun [https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1717573689527390451?s=20] reported the suspension is retroactive to Ottawa's first game of the season, which was Oct. 11 versus the Carolina Hurricanes. It is reportedly not dependent on Pinto signing a contract. While he had not yet played this year, this is still a massive loss for the Senators, as the club will now definitively be without a key young player for at least half the season. Pinto burst on the scene in 2022-23, his first full NHL season, racking up 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points in 82 games while logging roughly 16 minutes in average nightly ice time. How this suspension impacts his future with the Senators remains to be seen. Coach D.J. Smith told reporters Thursday morning [https://x.com/TSN1200/status/1717565423007220036?s=20] after the reports came out that the team is behind Pinto and will be welcomed back with open arms once he returns. The team statement reflected Smith's comments. "The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling," the team said. "While saddened to learn of this issue, the entire organization remains committed to Shane and will work together to do what is necessary to help provide the support to allow him to address his issues and become a strong contributor to our community." This story was updated at 12:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 26, 2023.
