Sens' Pinto inks deal prior to gambling ban return

Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto is prepared for a fresh start -- and he's got a new contract to go with it.

The club announced Friday a one-year, $775,000 deal for Pinto that kicks in right before he is eligible to return from a 41-game suspension for violating the NHL's sports wagering rules. Pinto can make his season debut Sunday in Philadelphia and will earn a prorated salary of just under $360,000 for the remainder of this season.

Pinto, 23, became the first NHL player of the league's modern era to receive a gambling-related suspension when he was handed a half-season ban in October. No details were given on the exact circumstances around Pinto's wagering, and Pinto provided no clarity on that when speaking with reporters in Ottawa last week. But he did relay his own reaction to being cut off from hockey for months.

"Definitely, I was caught off guard a bit [by the ruling]," said Pinto. "It just kind of came out of nowhere and kind of went from there."

The Franklin Square, New York, native spent time on Long Island with family while forced to be away from the Senators. He kept in shape through skating and conditioning exercises.

Pinto was back in Ottawa on Jan. 12 to resume practicing with teammates. Senators coach Jacques Martin said at the time that he expected Pinto would be in the lineup Jan. 21 against the Flyers, but the restricted free agent had to sign a contract first. That business now being handled paves the way for Pinto to step into a lineup spot.

It's probable Pinto signs a longer-term deal with Ottawa in the offseason, but for now, he is at least able to get back on the ice. And the Senators should be happy to have him; the center has played the entirety of his career in Ottawa since the team drafted him 32nd overall in 2019. Pinto has notched 21 goals and 43 points in 99 NHL games and is projected to be an important player for the team's future.

Sunday's game would be Pinto's first NHL action in over 280 days.

While on the sideline, Pinto said he had been in contact with several NHL players about the suspension and hopes his story will prevent anyone else from unwittingly earning a ban of their own.

"It's good that I can help them now," Pinto said. "That's what I'm there for now. I'm the first one in a long time, so just kind of learn from my experience."

Prior to Pinto's suspension, the last NHL players to be suspended for gambling were Billy Taylor, Don Gallinger and Babe Pratt in the 1940s.

Ottawa appears ready to welcome Pinto back with open arms. He was the first skater at practice Friday after news of his contract signing went public, and the Senators could use an emotional boost. Ottawa is currently last in the Eastern Conference and 19 points back of a playoff spot. The Senators host the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday before ending the weekend back-to-back in Philadelphia -- with Pinto back in the mix.