The Ottawa Senators have locked up one of their rising stars, signing Shane Pinto to a four-year deal worth $30 million. The contract, which runs through 2029-30, will pay him $7.5 million per year.
It’s a big win for both sides after months of negotiations. The deal is actually worth $1 million more annually than what the Sens reportedly offered Pinto on a longer eight-year contract before the season started.
The 23-year-old center has been absolutely crushing it this year. He’s put up 14 points in just 17 games – good for third on the team – showing he’s worth every penny of his new contract.
That’s a huge step up from last season’s 37 points in 70 games. And while he’s shooting at a career-best 17.4%, the numbers suggest it’s no fluke.
The Senators had to walk a fine line here. They needed to pay their young star what he’s worth without breaking the bank.
Looking around the league, Pinto’s deal fits right between recent contracts signed by other young centers. It’s more than Marco Rossi’s $5 million per year in Minnesota but less than Mason McTavish’s $7 million annual salary in Anaheim.
The path to this payday wasn’t always smooth sailing. After the Sens picked him 32nd overall in 2019, Pinto tore up the USHL with 59 points in 56 games. He then dominated at the University of North Dakota, scoring 60 points in 61 games.
His NHL career started with promise – seven points in his first 12 games showed he belonged. But a tough shoulder injury in 2021-22 derailed what looked like a breakout season.
Now fully healthy and playing the best hockey of his career, Pinto’s new deal could set the standard for other young centers around the league. It’s also part of a growing trend of shorter-term contracts for rising stars, which might make for some interesting free agent markets down the road.
