Ottawa Senators restricted free-agent forward Shane Pinto will be suspended for 41 games after violating the NHL's gambling rules, sources told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The league didn't accuse Pinto of wagering on NHL games, Friedman added. The 22-year-old hasn't played a game in the 2023-24 season as he remains unsigned.

Pinto's suspension is the NHL's first betting-related ban in the world of online wagering, per The Athletic's Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun.

The NHL reportedly began investigating Pinto's actions during the summer, and his contract negotiations were put on hold while the league conducted a recent hearing, according to Friedman.

Sources also told Friedman that Pinto's suspension began with the first game of the Senators' season and isn't dependent on him signing a new contract.

Pinto netted 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games last season. He was limited to five contests in 2021-22 due to a shoulder injury. Ottawa selected him in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft.

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