Elliotte Friedman reports that the Ottawa Senators have put an offer on the table for Shane Pinto. This is an eight-year agreement, although no figures have been announced.
He explained during the Saturday Headlines Report:
“The NHL leader in goals, he’s red hot to start the year. There’s been a lot of talk locally about his future. His contract expires after this year, although he still has two years before he’s an unrestricted free agent. But when I heard this week, the Senators put an eight-year offer on the table for Pinto. Now I’m not saying anything is imminent, and I don’t necessarily think anything is close, but what I do believe that the senators wanted to show that.” they are serious about taking a share of the land to hold him.”
Pinto is a pending RFA that comes from a two-year contract worth $3.75 million.
Things have certainly changed in Ottawa when it comes to Pinto.
In July 2024, the Senators secured a two-year contract worth $7.5 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.75 million. There were some issues getting that deal done, as he had been serving a half-season suspension for gambling violations, and the Senators were pushing hard on a new deal.
Just over a year later, the senators want to keep Pinto in prison for the long term. He scored 21 goals last season and has started excellently this season. Intriguingly, the Senators appear to be rushing to reach a deal. Pinto has never scored more than 21 goals in a season and his red-hot streak may be temporary.
Are the Senators about to make a big deal on Shane Pinto?
Thus, as a restricted free agent, the Senators also have some cost control over their situation. Perhaps the feeling is that by offering him an early deal, Pinto will be more likely to sign a long-term deal at a fair AAV. If the idea is to step in while the profits are good, he could be just as determined to secure his future with a lucrative contract before the numbers turn.
The Ottawa sun Bruce Garrioch reports that Pinto’s performances this season could increase the cost of re-signing him. He became the first player in franchise history to score six goals in the first five games of a season. It seems like an odd time to put an offer on the table. This would mean the Senators would potentially be buying high.
Next: NHL Weekend Rumors: Panarin Problem, Extensions and Trade Talks
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