Senators GM Steve Staios hopes for 'positive outcome' as he updates on $7.5M star's contract extension

Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios gave an update on Shane Pinto’s contract talks. Pinto is in the last year of his two-year, $7.5 million deal, which pays him $3.75 million on average annually.

Staios said the team has kept good communication with Pinto’s agent, Lewis Gross. He also confirmed that they will meet again this week to continue talks.

"We’ve been continuing good dialogue," Staios said, via Ottawa Citizen. "We’re going to meet again this week, and we’re hoping to come with a positive outcome."

Pinto has started the season strongly with 8 goals and 6 assists in 16 games. The 24-year-old center continues to show improvement in his sixth NHL season. He has played 226 games for Ottawa since 2020-21. In that time, he has 59 goals and 62 assists. His offensive play makes him valuable for Ottawa.

Staios added that Pinto is an important part of the team and talked about his growth.

"Shane is an important player for us," Staios said. "We’ve been there for him along the way and watched him develop within the group. I do feel comfortable we’ll get something done."

Ottawa has an 8-5-3 record this season and ranks third in the Atlantic Division. They score an average of 3.44 goals per game but allow 3.63. Their power play ranks eighth in the league at 24.1 percent. However, their penalty kill is last at 67.4 percent. The team must improve defensively to stay in the playoff race.

Tim Stutzle leads Ottawa with 16 points, and Drake Batherson has 11 assists. Stutzle is just two points ahead of Pinto, so Pinto's development is considered a key part of Ottawa's long-term plans.

NHL reporter's reasoning behind Shane Pinto and the Senators' next contract term

Sportsnet reporter Alex Adams explained why the Ottawa Senators should sign Shane Pinto to an eight-year deal. Adams wrote in his October column, saying:

"Ottawa should sign Pinto to an eight-year contract. The entirety of what should be his best years would take place in Ottawa... It would enhance the Senators for now and into the future."

The team can afford to keep Pinto for the long term, and Adams said an $7.5 million annual salary would look reasonable as the cap rises. He believes Pinto’s contract would age well and give Ottawa good value. Keeping Pinto would help Ottawa stay strong and consistent in future seasons.