Marek: “Shane Pinto has faced a multitude of challenges recently, including criticisms and speculation regarding his future in the NHL. This brings us to Pierre Dorian’s role in this situation. Do you think he deserves an apology from the fans or the organization?”

Mendes: “I’m not entirely convinced that he’s owed an apology, considering that the circumstances surrounding the investigation were complex and not justifiable. The timing of the league’s announcements and the subsequent actions of all parties involved play a significant role in understanding this situation. We’ll have to wait for more developments over the next several weeks.”

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During the crucial months of June, July, and August, it appears that decisions were made without full awareness of Pinto’s situation. My speculation is that the signing of Tarasenko occurred without any knowledge of the impending issues. It is essential to examine how these timelines align, especially since Tarasenko joined the team in July. Prioritizing other players over Pinto could lead to complications moving forward, creating a heightened sense of urgency for the organization.

To put it simply, the Ottawa Senators are currently at their salary cap limit and have yet to secure a contract with Shane Pinto. This poses a significant problem for the franchise, as it highlights a disconnect in their operational strategy. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing narrative surrounding Pinto and the betting allegations. The reality is that they are at a standstill without a clear plan and without having the necessary contracts in place.

This predicament certainly grants Pinto a measure of leverage regarding his circumstances, especially considering recent events. However, it does not provide him with an automatic pass regarding the overall situation surrounding the team’s salary cap. That’s just my perspective on it.

Marek: “Now with the NHL announcing a 41-game suspension for Shane Pinto due to sports betting, I’m curious if this will influence his contract negotiations. Do you think Pinto might consider signing a league-minimum contract, given the recent news and how discreetly Ottawa managed this situation?”

Mendes: “It’s clear that Shane Pinto’s leverage has significantly diminished. The bargaining power he once had has been severely affected by this suspension. I would argue that the way this situation was handled was appropriate, as it was kept under wraps until the last few days when some details began to surface. Now, for Pinto, it’s crucial to reach an agreement quickly, considering his suspension for 41 games will impact his income.”

From a financial standpoint, if Pinto is going to miss out on earnings due to the suspension, he may want to consider accepting a lower salary just to ensure he gets back on the ice. This is a challenging position for him, and the urgency to finalize a contract is paramount.

However, there are still contractual obligations that must be addressed. When a player is suspended, the usual December 1st rule regarding restricted free agents typically applies, but I suspect this situation might deviate from that norm.”

Marek: “No.”

Mendes: “It doesn’t.”

Marek: “They might be waiving that rule. I think that’s what’s happening? Yes, they will likely waive it.”

Mendes: “That’s an interesting development that I just learned. This is why I enjoy participating in the Jeff Marek program; I always learn something new about the CBA.”

Marek: “I take it to the beach every summer.”

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Mendes: “Realistically, if I analyze the timeline, the earliest Pinto could return to play is likely mid-January against Philadelphia. This reality requires him to start strategizing now. He will miss not only November but December games as well. Given his current circumstances, he must prioritize getting back into the game as soon as possible. This leads to the logical conclusion that accepting a minimum deal may be in his best interest.”