Heading into the 2025-26 season, Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto was going to need to deliver a big season after having a career year last year.
This season is Pinto's final year of his contract as he will be a restricted free agent after this season. After recording career highs with 21 goals and 37 points last season, there's reason to believe Pinto can take the next step.
Last night, the Senators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 in the 2025-26 season opener, and Pinto was a big part of the win. However, Pinto also may have caught the eyes of a second team to show how good he can be this season on a big stage.
Pinto makes solid first impression to begin 2025-26 season for Senators; makes early case for Team USA roster spot
Pinto delivered with a three-point game last night for the Senators. Pinto scored two goals in the win, but his second goal was clutch with giving the Senators a 4-3 lead with 1:47 remaining in regulation.
The Senators are the NHL team that Pinto has been playing for since being drafted in 2019. However, Pinto will be eager to play for another team this season.
That is Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This past August, Pinto was invited to Team USA's Orientation Camp. Pinto's teammate Brady Tkachuk has already been announced for Team USA's roster for the 2026 Olympics, but Pinto and Jake Sanderson received invites.
After the Senators fell in the 2025 playoffs, Pinto went on to play for Team USA at the IIHF World Championships. Pinto made more progress after the playoffs and was a key part of Team USA winning championship gold.
With how his first game of the new season went yesterday, Pinto is making Team USA take note that his game this season can climb higher.
Pinto is due for a solid new contract down the road. On Nov. 12, Pinto will turn 25 years old, and is looked at as a key piece to the Senators' young core.
If Pinto continues to make big strides after a solid season opening game, his game, confidence and momentum will only get better over the course of this season, and it could lead to wearing that Team USA jersey in the Olympics.