Shane Pinto’s putting up solid numbers for the Senators, scoring 21 goals and adding 16 assists in 70 games this season. The 24-year-old center’s been a steady presence on Ottawa’s third line, averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per game.
The Sens are getting ready to talk contract with Pinto, and they’re definitely hoping to keep him around. But there’s a catch.
With the NHL salary cap jumping to $104 million in 2026, Pinto could be in line for a big payday if he has a strong year. He’ll be eligible for arbitration next summer, which could make things interesting for Ottawa’s front office.
There’s another wrinkle: Pinto’s stuck behind Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens on the depth chart. That’s limiting his chances to play bigger minutes with the top forwards.
In Buffalo, goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s had a rough go of it. After looking like he might be the answer in net last year, he’s struggled with a 3.20 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in 55 games. His record sits at 24-24-5 with just two shutouts.
The Sabres’ goalie situation is getting complicated. Devon Levi’s been tearing it up in the AHL for two years, even though his first NHL shot didn’t go so well. He’s a restricted free agent, and Buffalo’s got some decisions to make.
Luukkonen’s locked in for four more years at $4.75 million per season. With not many goalies available on the market, some playoff team might be willing to make Buffalo an offer they can’t refuse.
Meanwhile in Calgary, defenseman Rasmus Andersson’s name keeps coming up in trade talks. The right-handed Swede put up 11 goals and 20 assists in 81 games while eating up big minutes – almost 24 per night. Vegas seems interested, according to insiders, but nothing’s close yet. He’s got one year left at $4.55 million.
