Ottawa Senators Secure Key Forward with Major Contract Extension
The Ottawa Senators have made a significant move to strengthen their roster by signing forward Shane Pinto to a substantial contract extension. The team announced the four-year deal on Thursday, valued at $30 million, effectively keeping the promising player with the franchise for the foreseeable future.
The timing of this agreement is particularly strategic, as Pinto could have entered restricted free agency after the current season. The 25-year-old celebrated his birthday just one day before signing this career-defining contract.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
The new contract carries an average annual value of $7.5 million, with the salary structured evenly across all four years. This deal will take effect at the start of the next season and run through the 2029-30 campaign.
Notably, the agreement covers two years of Pinto's unrestricted free agent eligibility, demonstrating the Senators' long-term commitment to the player. The yearly cap hit of $7.5 million represents a significant investment in the team's core talent.
Pinto's Impressive Track Record
Since joining the Senators in the 2020-21 season, Pinto has demonstrated consistent performance. His career statistics include:
- 121 points in 221 regular-season games (59 goals, 62 assists)
- 14 points in 17 games this season (8 goals, 6 assists)
- 2 points in his Stanley Cup Playoff debut during the 2025 Eastern Conference First Round
The American forward has also represented his country with distinction, winning gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. His international success continues as he recently participated in orientation camp for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Team Leadership Emphasizes Long-Term Vision
General manager Steve Staios expressed strong enthusiasm about retaining Pinto, highlighting his importance to the organization's future. "Shane is an important part of our core, and we are pleased to have him with us for the foreseeable future," Staios stated.
He further emphasized the significance of this signing for team development, adding, "This is a great opportunity for this group to grow together." The Senators also announced the deal on social media with the enthusiastic message: "Four more years of ???. The #Sens have signed Shane Pinto to a four-year contract extension!"
This contract becomes the fifth-largest active deal on the team, following significant agreements with Sanderson, Brock Boeser, Jackson Blake, and Nick Schmaltz. The Senators originally selected Pinto in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.
As the Senators prepare to host the Boston Bruins at Canadian Tire Centre, this contract extension provides stability and signals the team's commitment to building a competitive roster around their core young talent.
