Senators restricted free agent Shane Pinto linked to two new teams
Last week, it was reported that the Ottawa Senators and restricted free agent forward Shane Pinto were not close on a new contract with training camps set to open in just over a week.
The main reason is due to Ottawa's cap situation and that they have less than $800,000 in available space. Ottawa is reportedly looking to make a move or two relatively soon in order to clear up some cap space to sign the 22-year-old.
If they're unable to do that, they may look to trade Pinto, although that would be the absolute last resort as they view him as a big part of their future. Boston Hockey Now reported last week that the Bruins were one of the teams that could kick tires on Pinto and now two new teams have entered the picture.
According to Eklund from Hockey Buzz, along with the Bruins, the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Islanders are teams that are interested in Shane Pinto.
Pinto, a native of Franklin Square, New York had a strong rookie season for the Senators in 2022-23, tallying 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists), 18 penalty minutes and was a minus-21 in 82 games.
The Senators, if they're able to sign him, are hoping they can replicate the production he had last season or even surpass what he did, which is a very good possibility given the potential linemates he may have. For a team looking to have success all season long and have aspirations of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, players like Shane Pinto are going to be relied on quite a bit to get the Senators over the hump.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Shane Pinto will be with the Senators to start the 2023-24 season? | ||
| Yes, they'll sign him | 107 | 68.2 % |
| No, they'll trade him | 34 | 21.7 % |
| Not Sure | 16 | 10.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
