Report: Senators, Pinto not close in contract negotiations

Forward Shane Pinto and the Ottawa Senators aren’t close to a new contract more than a week into the preseason, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports.

The Senators recently offered Pinto a contract in the one-year, $1-million range, sources told Friedman. The player is reportedly looking for a deal around $2.5 million.

General manager Pierre Dorion indicated the team hoped to sign Pinto prior to the start of training camp earlier in September.

Ottawa has significant leverage in negotiations with Pinto. The 22-year-old is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights. He’s also not eligible for an offer sheet due to a lack of pro seasons.

Pinto tallied 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games last season with the Senators. He was named Rookie of the Month for October after a hot start to the campaign, scoring six goals in eight contests.

A shoulder injury limited Pinto to five games in the 2021-22 season.

Ottawa has $120,953 in projected cap space with a 21-man roster, according to CapFriendly.

The Senators drafted Pinto with the first pick of the second round in 2019.

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