Marek: “We anticipate Shane Pinto will be making his way back to Ottawa. It’s clear that his suspension will eventually come to an end, leading to his reintegration into the Senators with a new contract. Are we expecting his return to Ottawa soon?”

Friedman: “Absolutely, the Senators have a unique situation on their hands as they prepare for game 42, scheduled for January 21 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Given that they have played fewer games than any other team, they are in a position where they need to make up for lost time. This means Pinto will be eligible to make his comeback against Philly.”

NHL Rumors: Updates on Teams like Devils, Leafs, Islanders, Kraken, Sabres, Stars, Blue Jackets, Sharks, Hurricanes, Oilers, and Canucks

There are specific guidelines concerning suspended players, indicating that they can return approximately 10 days before they are permitted to play, allowing them to start practicing with their team. However, Pinto needs to settle back in Ottawa, find accommodations, and begin his training regimen to reestablish himself in the community. From what I understand, he is very close to achieving this goal.

Although the agent and the team are remaining tight-lipped on official discussions, I received some information earlier this week suggesting that a return is imminent, and I would speculate that he will likely sign for the remainder of this season on his qualifying offer. Of course, this information is not confirmed, and unless there’s an unexpected multi-year deal in the works, it seems he will sign for the rest of this season before we explore further options.

NHL Rumors: Who is currently scouting for goaltenders, and which players might be available?

Nevertheless, one thing that remains consistent in my understanding, Jeff, is that there has been no indication suggesting that Shane Pinto is excluded from the team’s core. It appears that the Senators still regard him as a vital part of their squad as they continue to progress and evolve.