SENSNEWS

Shane Pinto Playstyle

Shane Pinto has been on fire since his return to the lineup after serving a 41-game suspension. So far, through eight games, Pinto is scoring at a nearly point-per-game pace, highlighted by a huge three-point performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

But it isn’t just scoring that Pinto brings to the offense; rather, he is such a sound 200-foot player who is capable of doing all the small things right.

Head coach Jacques Martin has been placing Shane Pinto in the most important situations including putting him out as the centre with just one minute remaining in a one-goal game.

It’s this commitment to defense and attention to detail that has turned Shane Pinto into a coach’s favorite. And it’s not just the coaches; Pinto has quickly become one of the easiest players for Ottawa Senators fans to root for.

Considering how much time he missed, it is incredible to see how quickly he has regained his legs.

Since his return, his line with himself, Ridly Greig, and Vladimir Tarasenko has been the best one for the Ottawa Senators on more nights than not. These three are projected to be the Senators’ third line. However, they are often the most effective one and play in many key situations.

Previously, I mentioned the little things that Shane Pinto does right. One of the smaller details of his game that is very important to success is his success in faceoffs.

Pinto has been extremely effective at winning faceoffs, dating back to his college career, and that has continued to ring true as an NHL center.

Shane Pinto’s complete game is even more impressive given the fact that he is just 23 years old. With most prospects, they often seem to arrive quite quickly, but it is the full 200-foot game as well as the physicality that they take time to adjust to.

For Pinto, this has not been much of a struggle, even dating back to his rookie season. He has always been a very responsible and sound 200-foot player who plays against very tough matchups.

Shane Pinto’s Versatility

Outside of his effectiveness and strength, he is also capable of playing on both special teams units. Probably his most effective tool is his cannon of a shot, especially from the slot.

Last season, Pinto was pretty much automatic from the bumper spot on the power play, and although he hasn’t scored from that position yet this season, he has had some good looks.

If, and when, the Ottawa Senators’ power play starts clicking again, be sure to keep an eye out for Shane Pinto. It would be no surprise if he catches fire from the bumper position and pots home a couple of man-advantage markers.

Shane Pinto Extension Rumours

With Pinto signed to a contract for one year and valued at $775,000, he will most definitely get a raise in the off-season.

Elliotte Friedman has speculated about the potential of Pinto getting a contract extension in the near future, and while it sounds like there is one being worked on, nothing has been finalized yet.

With how he has been playing, it would be in the Ottawa Senators’ best interest to figure out an extension sooner rather than later. This isn’t just an example of someone getting hot offensively at the right time; rather, it is an example of someone who plays the right way at both ends of the ice getting rewarded for his hard work and talent.

Not much has been made of Shane Pinto’s willingness to sign in the regular season, but for the organization’s sake, hopefully, he is willing to get it done sooner rather than later.

I would be shocked if Pinto’s play takes a significant step backward from this point on. It is far more likely that his price only goes up from here.

Shane Pinto Advanced Statistics

• 52.55 CF%
• 54.77 xGF%
• 54.17 SCF%
• 58.18 HDCF%

With Tim Stützle and Josh Norris both making around $8 million long-term, the Senators almost need to have Shane Pinto signed to a cheaper deal.

For the structure, the max they would likely want to spend at this point on a long-term deal is between 4 to 5 million. This still gives them some flexibility to fill out the rest of their core, especially with the cap rising in the near future.

When looking at term, I would be surprised if they are ready to commit to an eight-year contract, but honestly, I wouldn’t be against it. Perhaps the organization has some cold feet after signing Josh Norris and having that contract look a bit like an overpay, but Shane Pinto screams to me that he is the real deal.

If I were Steve Staios, I would be comfortable with a contract in the 5 to 6-year range and an AAV somewhere around 5 million.

The question is whether or not this deal would be enough to convince Shane Pinto to sign, and honestly, I’m not sure. But if both parties were in this ballpark, I think it would be mutually beneficial to get a deal done before the summer.