Shane Pinto Inks $30M, Four-Year Extension with Senators
Shane Pinto has secured a four-year contract extension worth $30 million with the Ottawa Senators. The announcement came on Thursday, rewarding the 25-year-old center for his impressive performance this season. Originally slated to enter restricted free agency, Pinto will now remain in Ottawa, reinforcing his role in the team’s future plans.
Pinto’s Impact on the Senators
General Manager Steve Staios expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Shane is an important part of our core and we are pleased to have him with us for the foreseeable future.” He sees this extension as a significant opportunity for the team to develop together.
Season Performance
- Pinto started the season strong, scoring four goals in his first two games.
- He has netted a total of seven goals in six games this season.
- Though he has not scored in the last eight games, he contributed five assists during this stretch.
In his career, Pinto has accumulated 59 goals and 62 assists over 227 games, all with the Senators. Drafted 32nd overall in 2019, he has been a valuable asset to the franchise.
Challenges Faced
Pinto faced a significant challenge in 2023 when he was suspended for 41 games due to a violation of the NHL’s sports betting policy. He allegedly requested friends in the U.S. to place bets on his behalf. However, he successfully returned for the second half of that season and played 70 games the following year.
Current Season and Team Standing
This season, Pinto has participated in all 17 games so far. His contributions have helped place the Senators third in the Atlantic Division with a record of 8-5-4. Last season, he played a crucial role in the Senators’ return to the playoffs after a long drought, recording one goal and one assist during his first postseason appearances.
