Follow usShane Pinto has signed a professional contract with the Ottawa Senators today, marking the first time in the modern history of NHL that a player, who served a suspension for betting, will make a season debut. This could happen as early as Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers, as reported by the AP agency.
Pinto, at the age of 23, was suspended for half the season in October. The sanction resulted from an investigation into violations of the league’s betting rules. The NHL did not disclose the specific nature of Pinto’s offense but explained that it was not related to betting on hockey games, likely saving the athlete’s career.
Pinto’s contract is the minimum according to NHL rules – $775 thousand. He was a restricted free agent when the penalty was imposed, meaning the Senators held his rights, but he had not signed a contract. Pinto resumed training last week and stated that he wants to put the incident behind him.
“I’ve come a long way, and I’ve reached the finish line. I’m happy,” he added, quoted by the AP.
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