There is defintely lots of buzz regarding rumours and signings surrounding the Ottawa Senators right now in their 2024 offseason. It seems there are daily rumours on their goaltending situation. Also, the blueline could really use a top-four, right-shot defenceman still. And finally, the topic of our conversation here, is on restricted free agent (RFA) centre Shane Pinto. Let’s also not forget to mention the signing of Angus Crookshank yesterday, so let’s get to it.
Latest Ottawa Senators Rumours on Shane Pinto
One of General Manager Steve Staios‘ top offseason priorities is inking RFA Shane Pinto to a deal. The biggest reason it is so vital to the offseason, is then Staios will know how much disposal income he has for other possible trade pieces or free agents. So, what is the latest update?
Hearing from some there's lots of talk between the Sens and Pinto. Hearing from others there's not much talk. Some say they are close, others say they are far apart. I've heard bridge deal and long term. Money could be below average, average, or above average. #SensScoops
— Shawn Simpson (@TSPSimmerDown) June 12, 2024
One of the Senators close followers, Shawn Simpson, says that there are a lot of conflicting reports out there regarding the conversations going on between Pinto and the Sens. In any case, it would be front-and-centre on both Staios and Pinto’s minds.
Pinto is a 23-year-old, two-way centre. Furthermore, he still only has 140 games of NHL experience under his belt. However, they have been productive, and he has more than proven his value to the club. In his career, he has 30 goals and 40 assists for 70 points. Additionally, he has averaged 16:12 of ice time a game, seen time on both specialty teams, and has won 50.1 of his faceoffs. He has already spent plenty of time in the club’s top-six forward group. And depending on the plan with Josh Norris, Pinto is very likely the team’s number two centre.
What Kind of Contract Will the Ottawa Senators Shane Pinto Sign?
A Bridge Deal Works Best for Both Sides
When it comes to dollars and cents, we have discussed it before. Disregarding the rumours surrounding the deal for the Ottawa Senators and Shane Pinto for a moment, it seems that a bridge deal is the way to go. Yes, it is unfortunate for Pinto personally to find himself in that situation, but it does benefit both parties. For one, it gives Pinto the opportunity to prove his true worth, and really see what he can earn at the NHL level. Also, for the club, it allows them to figure out a better direction for the team’s forward group alignment. The salary cap will probably continue to increase over the next couple of years of a prospective bridge deal. Therefore, the club would have more available funds at that time.
The Ottawa Senators Dominuitive Winger Angus Crookshank Re-Signs
In other Sens forwards RFA news, Angus Crookshank re-signs with the club on a one-year, two-way deal. The deal works for both sides. On an organizational front, Crookshank is a value deal at $775,000, especially if he can be a productive bottom-six forward when he draws into the NHL lineup. He is waiver-exempt, so the Sens have the luxury of sending him down to Belleville without having to pass through the other 31-teams’ waiver wire. Finally, it is favourable for Crookshank as he maintains RFA status at the conclusion of the deal.
At 5’10” and 24 years old, Crookshank is definitely a fan favourite amongst the Senators organization fanbase. After three seasons at the University of New Hampshire, Crookshank signed his professional contract, and began playing with the Belleville Senators at the end of the 2020-21 season for 19 games. Unfortunately, Crookshank sustained a tough knee injury at the 2021 training camp, and missed the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign. However, he has more than bounced back at the AHL level. In 140 career games with Belleville, he has compiled an impressive 55 goals and 54 assists. At the time of his Ottawa callup last season, he was more than deserving, as he was Belleville’s best player. Ottawa is excited to see what he can do to add some production to the bottom-six when called upon. Even though there is uncertainty in other places regarding Ottawa Senators rumours, Crookshank definitely provides reliability they can count on.
Angus Crookshank on Arber Xhekaj's hit that injured Victor Lodin today:
"It's a dirty hit. You could ask anybody in that room, there's not a lot of respect for that guy and how he carries himself to be quite frank."
Crookshank suffered torn ACL after hit from Xhekaj last year.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) September 18, 2022
Main photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
