UPDATE: NHL Insider Provides Update Regarding Shane Pintos Return To Ottawa

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Hunter Bowman
December 15, 2023 (10:11)

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In late October, Ottawa Senators free agent forward Shane Pinto faced a 41-game suspension related to sports wagering. However, due to confidentiality agreements tied to his plea bargain with the league, details on the ban have been scarce. Despite the suspension, the Senators expressed their commitment to keeping Pinto and were focused on securing a new contract once the suspension concluded.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, though unconfirmed by the Senators, recently revealed that Pinto is on his way back to Ottawa, suggesting things may fall into place after his suspension is served. Friedman shared in his latest 32 Thoughts column:

«No comment from team or agent, but sounds like Shane Pinto will be returning to Ottawa in the near future. He is eligible to return to action Jan. 21, but obviously needs to be there earlier to re-set in the area.»

Pinto's suspension, retroactive to the first game of the season, makes him eligible to play again on Jan. 21. Initially, it was reported that the team had withdrawn all previous contract offers to Pinto, who wasn't expected to sign with the Sens until his January suspension concluded.

The signs increasingly point to Pinto's return to Ottawa, where he has previously received support from teammates and head coach D.J. Smith. While a new deal is a priority, his return signifies readiness to rejoin the Senators. Reports in September indicated Pinto was displeased with a low one-year offer, seeking around $2.5 million. However, given his suspension and the challenges faced by the Senators, he might consider a lower offer to prove his value on the ice upon returning.

Pinto's dedication is evident, and in just over a month, the Senators' bid and the rest of the season for Pinto will unfold.

Source: Hockeyfeed