Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto found himself at the center of a shocking development as the National Hockey League dropped a bombshell � a hefty 41-game suspension, effectively sidelining him for half of the regular season.

The punishment, officially attributed to

came to light following an investigation into Pinto's involvement in gambling-related activities, breaching the League's guidelines.

Pinto, despite the cloud of suspension hanging over him, recently rejoined his teammates on the ice after what seemed like an eternity away from game action. Addressing a handful of reporters in Ottawa, Pinto expressed a mix of emotions about his return, describing it as "awesome" but acknowledging the challenging journey he had endured.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Pinto recognized the need for a more cautious and mature approach, acknowledging the scrutiny that comes with being a professional athlete.

he emphasized, highlighting the impact of his actions on his career.

Despite the prevalent wave of sports betting commercials and the Senators' affiliation with a betting company as their official helmet sponsor, Pinto refrained from using these as excuses.

As of now, Pinto's official status is that of a free agent, requiring a new contract to regain eligibility for play. Eager to put the tumultuous chapter behind him, he expressed readiness to move on and focus on hockey.

On a broader team perspective, the Senators find themselves languishing in the NHL basement once again, a fact not lost on Pinto.

With Pinto's suspension casting a shadow over both his personal journey and the team's performance, the Senators face a challenging road ahead as they navigate the aftermath of this unexpected turn of events.