Shane Pinto Apologizes After Receiving 41 Game Suspension for Non-NHL Gambling Activities
Pinto, the Senators and the NHL have all released statements following the league's suspension to Shane Pinto.
Mar 12, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (57) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports - Shane Pinto Apologizes After Receiving 41 Game Suspension for Non-NHL Gambling ActivitiesStatement from the Ottawa Senators
“We were made aware of the National Hockey League investigation into this matter and additional information was made available to the club upon the completion of the league’s investigation 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. We know he is remorseful for his mistakes.
The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling. 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.
When the time is right and with the league’s blessing, we will welcome him back to the organization and embrace him as one of our own.”
Statement from Shane Pinto
“I want to apologize to the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans and city of Ottawa and most importantly my family. I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team.”
Statement from the NHL:
The National Hockey League announced today that it has suspended NHL Player Shane Pinto for 41 games for activities relating to sports wagering.
The League's investigation found no evidence that Pinto made any wagers on NHL games.
The NHL considers this matter closed, absent the emergence of new information, and will have no further comment.
It's believed that the suspension is retroactive to the first game of the 2023-24 season, making Pinto's earliest eligible to return January 21st, 35 games from now against the Flyers.
It looks like the Senators' salary cap crunch can be placed on the backburner for now, at least as it pertains to signing Pinto.