Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators is drawing considerable attention as he approaches the 2025-26 NHL season, with many anticipating a significant breakout year for the young center. Pinto, born on November 12, 2000, is currently 24 years old. The upcoming season marks the final year of his two-year contract, worth $3.75 million annually, making it a pivotal moment in his career to demonstrate his value and potential for a more substantial future deal.
Drafted 32nd overall by the Senators in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Pinto's journey to the NHL included a successful stint with the University of North Dakota (UND). During his time in the NCAA, he earned accolades such as National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Rookie of the Year, Best Forward, and Player of the Year, along with a gold medal at the 2020 World Juniors. He signed his entry-level contract with the Senators following UND's loss in the NCAA Regional Final.
Pinto's NHL career has been marked by both promise and setbacks. A shoulder injury in 2021-2022 and a gambling suspension in 2023-2024 have disrupted his progress. However, he has shown resilience, becoming a 20-goal scorer in 2022-2023 and playing 70 games in the 2024-25 season. In 2024-25, Pinto recorded 21 goals and 16 assists for 37 points. Over 210 career NHL games, Pinto has accumulated 51 goals, 56 assists and 107 points.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Pinto is expected to start as the Senators' third-line center, behind Tim Stützle and Dylan Cozens. Despite his position in the lineup, Pinto has become an important player for the Senators, known for his penalty-killing abilities and defensive prowess. Last season, he averaged 1:59 on the penalty kill and recorded a positive relative Corsi for percentage while shorthanded. Pinto's defensive capabilities were on display in the playoffs, where he was often matched up against top players like Auston Matthews.
While Pinto's defensive game is well-regarded, there is anticipation for an offensive breakout in the 2025-26 season. Despite a 19-game goal drought at the start of the 2024-25 season, he still managed to score a career-high 21 goals. Some analysts project that Pinto could score between 22 and 27 goals and accumulate between 44 and 54 points in the upcoming season.
Several factors could contribute to Pinto's potential breakout. Increased power-play time, stronger linemates, and a potential promotion to the top-six could lead to higher offensive numbers. Even if he remains on the third line, the Senators' forward depth should provide opportunities for production. A possible reunion with Ridly Greig and Michael Amadio, who formed a successful trio last season, could also boost Pinto's offensive output.
General Manager Steve Staios has expressed the organization's desire to have Pinto as part of the team's core moving forward and confirmed that preliminary contract talks have been positive. However, a contract extension is unlikely to be finalized before the season starts to avoid distracting Pinto. Making the American team for the 2026 Winter Olympics would further boost his value.
Ultimately, the 2025-26 season presents a significant opportunity for Shane Pinto to solidify his role with the Ottawa Senators and demonstrate his potential as a valuable two-way center. His performance in the upcoming season will not only determine his next contract but also shape his long-term trajectory in the NHL.
