NEW YORK (Oct. 26, 2023) The National Hockey League announced today that it has suspended NHL Player Shane Pinto for 41 games for activities relating to sports wagering.

The Leagues 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.

OTTAWAOttawa Senators today released a statement following the National Hockey Leagues announcement of a suspension to Shane Pinto.

Statement 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 leagues 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 NHLs 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 leagues 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.

With the degree to which the league markets sports betting, I'm surprised it's not compulsory for players to wager on their games.

41 games???  And it didn't involve wagering on NHL games?  

I read the nhl was notified by a betting partner about "unusual activity" on his account.  I don't know what that means, but would love to hear more about what he was betting on.  

Of all the things out there, this is an area where I think a suspension like this is outrageous.  Especially if it's not related to the league he's playing in.  Hit a guy in the head? 4 games.  Bet on the NFL? 41 games.  

There is some irony considering the players advertise for these betting companies, but aren't allowed to bet.  

41 games is WAY out of line if he didn't wager on NHL games.

Hell, the guy isn't even under NHL contract. He's an RFA (technically a 10.2c). I wonder how this will affect his contract status and negotiations with the team. He can't really serve the suspension until he is signed.

I would like to think there is more to the story for 41 games but "The NHL considers this matter closed, absent the emergence of new information, and will have no further comment."

Gee, what a surprise. /s