The Ottawa Senators dropped some early news Thursday with the announcement of a four-year contract exension for Shane Pinto. The deal calls for an average annual value of $7.5 million per season, and includes a 10-team no trade clause in Years 3 and 4 per The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. Pinto was slated to become a restricted free agent at season’s end,
Having turned 25 a day prior, the contract was certainly a happy belated birthday gift for not only Pinto, but for the Senators organization and its fans.
During the offseason, Senators general manager Steve Staios appeared confident an agreement would get completed. However, as the 2025-26 campaign got closer, a little doubt crept in as Pinto’s agent, Lewis Gross appreared to want to allow Pinto’s performance this season prove his value.
Just Monday, Staios told assembled media, talks with Gross were “positive” and the pair will be touching base this week. Well, that talk seemed to be more of a formality given Thursday morning’s announcement.
Staios said the Senators media release, “Shane is an important part of our core and we are pleased to have him with us for the foreseeable future. This is a great opportunity for this group to grow together.”
With several core players locked up long term. Staios isn’t wrong.
Senators Core Contracts
Brady Tkachuk through 2027-28
Dylan Cozens through 2029-30
Shane Pinto through 2029-30
Tim Stützle through 2030-31
Jake Sanderson through 2031-32
Of note, goalie Linus Ullmark, fiorward Ridly Greig are signed through 2028-29. Drake Batherson has one more season remaining beyond this prior to becoming a pending unrestricted free agent per Cap Wages.
Pinto will be 29 when his new deal concludes.
In 17 games this season, the Senators 32nd overall 2019 Entry Draft selection has registered eight goals, six assists. A streaky scorer, seven of those goals were garnered in his first six games.
What does Travis Green like about Pinto?
First off the Senators head coach can utilize his centre in all situations. Whether Pinto is on the penalty kill, power play or shutting down top opposiing lines on a given night, he plays with confidence in all facets of the game.
“You know, when I came in, I didn’t know a whole lot about ‘Pintz’. I knew he’s a good young player. I think his game has grown. Physically, he’s gotten stronger, he’s gotten better. I think mentally, he’s grown as well to play in that position where you’re still trying to score. And he’s a good offensive player, but understanding that he’s playing against the best players, that takes some maturity and maturing in your game, understanding that role,” Green noted during his postpractice availability courtesy of Coming In Hot audio.
“I still think he’s going to improve in that area as well. He’s grown a lot in the last year, and in that role, right into the playoffs last year, we could see how effective he was. And it’s a fine line between his offense and defense and combining it.”
Pinto’s play also caught the eye of USA Hockey who invited the two-way pivot to their Olympic team orientation camp in August.
No more distractions for Pinto
Heading into this season without a contract extension, the University of North Dakota product knew there’d be some form of distraction over his head, but he’s happy to see the negotiation come to an end.
“When we were close to it, I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t a little bit (of a distracton), but just happy it got done. And, yeah, can now just kind of worry about hocking and winning some games, and I’m just glad it’s over with,” Pinto acknowledged.
It was also Pinto himself who stressed a four-year deal.
“I kind of want to see where it’s at when I’m 29 and I just felt like it was a good deal for both sides. Hopefully 25 to 29 I have some good years. And yeah, that’s how just the number I came up with this.”
https://hockeyhotstove.com/senators-gm-steve-staios-provides-an-update/
Thankful to the Senators
Pinto appreciates the support the Senators organization has provided him and his family since being drafted. From guaranteeing him games upon signing his rookie deal out of NCAA in 2020, through his 2021 shoulder surgery to his 40-game suspension handed out by the NHL prior to the 2023-24 campaign.
“I’ve been through my ups and downs the first couple years of my career, and they’ve always (the Senators) been there for me. So just to have them and be with them for the next few years, it’s obviously very special to me and my family, so that’s a big reason why I did it,” explained the Long Island area resident.”
Me and my parents kind of looked back on it last night. It wasn’t smooth, for sure, but, you know, I came out of it pretty strong. And I said it before, but the Senators were super good about it, like the whole time. They always had my back, and I’ll never forget that, and that’s why I want to show my loyalty as well.”
https://www.nhl.com/senators/video/shane-pinto-with-a-goal-vs-washington-capitals-6384069795112
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Tagged: Ottawa Senators, Shane Pinto, Steve Staios, Travis Green