Shane Pinto: From Suspension to Signing with the Ottawa Senators

2024-01-19 17:41:15

Shane Pinto has taken another step toward the rest of his NHL career.

The center signed a one-year, US$775,000 contract with the Ottawa Senators on Friday after being suspended for 41 games for violating the league’s sports betting wrestling policy. .

Pinto, who is from New York State, was already involved in a prolonged contract impasse with the team before his suspension was announced on October 26.

Pinto played 82 games with the Senators in 2022-23, setting career highs in goals (20), assists (15) and points (35).

A key center piece for the Senators, the 23-year-old is eligible to return to the lineup on Sunday, when the Ottawa squad visits the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pinto, who was selected 32nd overall in the 2019 draft, has 21 goals and 43 points in 99 career NHL games.

He declined to provide further details on the causes of the suspension when he spoke to reporters last week.

“Honestly, it broke my heart,” Pinto said. I care so much about this sport, I’ve put so much time and effort into it, and to have it taken away from me for so long – it’s just hard to hear.”