One of the core players the Ottawa Senators need to have for years to come is 24-year-old forward Shane Pinto. In the 2024-25 season, Pinto's 37 points and 21 goals were each a career-high in a single season.
Since the Senators have been eliminated from the 2025 playoffs on May 1 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pinto has been playing with Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
International play is always a big stage for hockey players to show their talent for their respected countries. For the position that Pinto was once at for Team USA, the International play can certainly help him come July.
Pinto eligible for contract extension on July 1, has raised his game for Team USA
As of May 24, 2025, Pinto will be a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season at a cap hit of $3.75 million. While Pinto will be eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1, his play at the 2025 IIHF World Championship is helping raise his game to earn a nice pay from the Senators.
After starting out at the bottom of Team USA's depth chart among the forwards, Pinto has recorded a combined 10 points in seven games played with a +9 rating in the IIHF Championship. Today, Pinto recorded a three-point game against Sweden to send Team USA to the finals.
Pinto has certainly turned his game around for the better for Team USA with being one of their most reliable players. Playing with and against the best players from each country hasn't phased Pinto one bit, and it can help him with earn a contract extension.
The Senators know Pinto is showing his potential at his best now. With the play Pinto is having with Team USA, it shows he can grow his game more in the NHL.
So, what could a potential contract extension look like for Pinto with the season he had in Ottawa and his game at the 2025 IIHF World Championship if he was to sign one this Summer with the Senators?
A potential five-year contract at around $5.5-6.25 million per year could be in the ballpark for Pinto. It's important that the Senators keep him for years to come, but not overpay. Pinto is still growing his game, but hasn't reached his ceiling to be in the $7 million per year range yet.
Team USA will take on Switzerland in the 2025 IIHF Championship game tomorrow. If Team USA wins the championship, Pinto deserves a good amount of credit that the team was having. Pinto has one more chance at the International stage to show why he deserves a solid extension from the Senators this Summer.