After months of speculation and negotiations, the Ottawa Senators have officially signed Shane Pinto to a three-year entry-level contract. The 20-year-old forward, who was drafted by the Senators in 2019, expressed his relief and excitement at joining the team.
Pinto, a native of Franklin Square, New York, played two seasons at the University of North Dakota before deciding to turn pro. In his sophomore year, he led the Fighting Hawks in scoring with 15 goals and 17 assists in 28 games. He was also named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team and the NCHC Second All-Star Team.
The Senators have high hopes for Pinto, who is known for his strong two-way play and leadership qualities. General Manager Pierre Dorion praised Pinto’s work ethic and character, stating that he is “a player who leads by example on and off the ice.”
Pinto’s signing comes at a crucial time for the Senators, who are currently in the midst of a rebuild. With the departure of key players such as Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone in recent years, the team is looking to build a strong foundation for the future. Pinto’s addition to the roster is seen as a step in the right direction.
The young forward is expected to join the Senators for their upcoming training camp and will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the opening night roster. Head coach D.J. Smith has expressed his excitement about Pinto’s potential, stating that he has “all the tools to be a successful NHL player.”
Pinto himself is eager to get started with the Senators and is grateful for the opportunity to play at the highest level. He stated, “I’m just excited to get to work and do whatever I can to help the team win.”
With Pinto now officially signed, Senators fans can look forward to seeing him in action and potentially being a key player in the team’s future success.
