In what can only be described as a major victory for the Ottawa Senators, Shane Pinto has officially re-signed with the club. The uncertainty surrounding his contract, in terms of both duration and value, had left fans and analysts alike on edge. However, all doubts have been put to rest with this announcement. Pinto, who missed crucial developmental seasons, can now shift his focus back to the game he loves, poised to take on the role of the team’s second-line center. The deal, structured for a two-year term, comes with an annual cap hit of $3.75 million as reported by the reliable source, Elliotte Friedman.
Pinto’s recent offensive performances have been nothing short of stellar. In the 2022-23 season, he was entrusted with the pivotal role of anchoring the team as their number two center, marking his NHL debut. Skating alongside talents like Alex DeBrincat and Drake Batherson, Pinto thrived in the conducive environment that his linemates provided. The line, comprised entirely of right-handed shooters, enabled Pinto to hone his two-way skills, showcasing both offensive flair and defensive responsibility. His stat line of 20 goals and 15 assists in 82 games underscored his growth as an NHL center, highlighted by a robust faceoff win percentage of over 52%. Despite a challenging season for the team as a whole, Pinto’s individual progress was undeniable, serving as a valuable building block for the future.
Regrettably, Pinto’s momentum was briefly interrupted by a 41-game suspension at the start of the 2023-24 season due to gambling violations. Nonetheless, upon his return, he wasted no time in rediscovering his form, tallying 27 points in 41 games while logging over 18 minutes of ice time per night. His resurgence solidified his status as a legitimate second-line center option for the Senators.
The rise of Shane Pinto in the team’s depth chart holds significant implications for the Ottawa Senators. With another key center, Joshua Norris, sidelined for an extended period due to injury, Pinto’s emergence has been timely. The duo’s combined absence due to injuries has been a major blow to the team’s lineup. The repercussions of these setbacks cannot be understated, especially considering the failure to adequately replace their minutes by former General Manager Pierre Dorion. As the Senators gear up for the upcoming seasons, the onus falls on Pinto, a now healthy Josh Norris, and GM Steve Staios to steer the team towards success, starting with a potential playoff berth.
Looking ahead, if key players manage to stay healthy in the following seasons and strategic roster moves are made within the salary cap limits, a postseason appearance might not be as far-fetched as it seems for Ottawa. The road to the playoffs is paved with challenges, but with the talent and determination of players like Shane Pinto, the Senators are primed to make a strong push towards that goal.
Now that Shane Pinto has officially committed to the Ottawa Senators, the possibilities seem endless for him and his teammates. As they embark on a new chapter together, the future holds boundless potential for this resilient group of players.
