Unsigned and now suspended, Shane Pinto is having a rough start to his 2023-24 season. According to notable insiders like Elliotte Friedman and Frank Seravalli, the 41-game suspension dealt to Shane Pinto is due to a violation of the NHL league gambling rules.
Notably, the league did not accuse Pinto of wagering on NHL games. The league sent a memo in March 2022 reminding all league and club personnel, including players, that wagering on NHL games, even where legal, is absolutely prohibited. The league claims that it is dishonorable, prejudicial to, or against the welfare of the league or the game of hockey, which is in the NHL’s constitution.
The memo stated that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman holds the ability to discipline individuals determined to have engaged in improper gambling activities in any or all of the following respects. This can also see the accused parties being expelled, suspended indefinitely, canceling any contract that the individual may have, and/or facing a significant fine.
Per Elliotte Friedman, the exact timeline is unclear, but there’s a belief that the investigation, which began in the summer, intensified over the last few weeks. The negotiations to sign him were stopped as the NHL conducted a hearing on the matter.
The exact details as to what Shane Pinto did is unknown at this time. The next question is how the Senators will handle this situation. Pinto’s suspension is not dependent on him signing a contract, and if he signs a contract to play for the 2023-24 season, he is eligible to return on January 21, 2024, vs the Philadelphia Flyers. Elliotte Friedman also notes that the Ottawa Senators can also sign Shane Pinto to a contract after December 1, leading to speculation that the suspension is also affecting the Senators from potentially signing Pinto.
As this is a developing story, more information will be provided once details are available.
ITR 37: Round Two – Inside The Rink
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