According to Sportsnet, Shane Pinto has been suspended for 41 games by the National Hockey League for sports betting.
Because Pinto is still a free agent, the Senators will likely need to sign him for him to serve his suspension, with Bruce Garrioch reporting that the team has rescinded all contract offers and that the 22-year-old may have to accept his qualifying offer.
This is the first time that the National Hockey League has handed out a suspension for gambling in the online betting era, and it's not entirely shocking to see them come down hard on Pinto to set a precedent.
Pinto became a restricted free agent this summer; because of Ottawa's cap situation, he's been unable to sign a new deal, further complicating things if he's forced to sign a contract to begin his suspension. As an RFA, Pinto must sign by December 1st to play in the NHL this season.
POLL | ||
26 OCTOBRE | 387 ANSWERS LATEST | NHL issues an official statement regarding Senators' Shane Pinto: Awarded a Lengthy suspension Is a 41 game suspension enough for Shane Pinto? | ||
Yes | 194 | 50.1 % |
No, should be 82 games (full season) | 111 | 28.7 % |
See Results | 82 | 21.2 % |
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