Huge update in Shane Pinto saga in Ottawa!

At the end of October, Ottawa Senators free agent forward Shane Pinto was suspended 41 games for activities relating to sports wagering, though very little details on his ban have emerged because of confidentiality agreements built into the 22-year-old’s plea bargain with the league.

It was the last draw for Pierre Dorion who then resigned as team GM, and own Michael Andlauer and interim general manager Steve Staios have since been trying to right this ship.

While the Senators are actively looking at a long-term solution to fill the GM spot, another task remains high on their list of priorities and that is to bring back Pinto into the roster as soon as his ban allows. This is what Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports in his latest 32 Thoughts:

“Also, they will bring back Shane Pinto when his suspension ends, and are not trying to trade him."

Pinto’s suspension is retroactive to the Senators’ first game of the season and the forward will be eligible to play on Jan. 21. When the announcement was first made on his ban, it was reported that team had rescinded all previous contract offers to Pinto, who wasn’t likely to sign with the Sens until he has served his suspension in January.

But, per Friedman, it sure sounds like he will be coming back to Ottawa. In the meantime, he keeps training in Long Island, knowing he has the support of his teammates and head coach D.J. Smith, you made this statement when the ban was confirmed.

“Me as a coach, and us an organization, are 100 per cent behind Shane,” Smith said. “We’re here for him, we’ll offer him any support that he needs, and we’ll welcome him back with absolute open arms.”

Back in September, reports had emerged that Pinto was upset with a low one-year offer and is allegedly seeking around $2.5 million. However, due to his suspension and trouble cause to the Senators, he may be willing to accept a lower offer to prove his worth once again on the ice upon his return.

Recommended articles:

• Players warned about gambling investigation and protocol!
• Evander Kane gets heat following Shane Pinto’s 41-game suspension over sports betting violations
• Major update on the Shane Pinto situation from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman
• Suspension appeal coming for Shane Pinto?
• We now know exactly what Shane Pinto did to earn a 41 game NHL suspension