Stunning AAV Projection As Shane Pinto Due For Massive Raise With Senators

We heard about a month ago that the Ottawa Senators were in 'no rush' to re-sign pending RFA Shane Pinto to an extension. "We're gonna let the season start and not have Shane distracted (with contract talks)," said GM Steve Staios. That may be the case, but a new report comes to us that the longer they wait, the Sens are looking at a massive raise for Pinto, even larger than they expected.

Pinto scored two goals in a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night, including the overtime winner in which he blew past Auston Matthews to decide the game.

Shane Pinto is so sick, man. #Sens pic.twitter.com/eeto3xqEhG
— Locked On Senators (@SensCentral) September 24, 2025

And that has former NHLer and current TSN analyst Frankie Corrado, speaking on TSN 1200 Ottawa this morning, projecting that Pinto's new contract will, at minimum, start at a $7 million AAV, and possibly supersede that of current second-line center Dylan Cozens ($7.1M).

"If Shane Pinto scores 30 goals this year, which I think he's very capable of, I don't think they're going to be able to keep him under Dylan Cozens money," said Corrado."

With his strong defensive skills and work on the penalty kill, Pinto adds so much to the team, that his value isn't even solely based on his offense. But if that really pops, too?

"He's too complete of a player to ignore...even if he's just on par to what he's been doing (offensively)... I think on a long-term deal you're probably looking at $7M-$7.2M," said Corrado. "There's a lot of upside there for him to play a lot and play a meaningful role... There's so much value there outside of what the offense is gonna be.

"If I'm signing Shane Pinto on a long-term deal, I don't have any issues with it starting with a 7, and being under $7.5, let's say."

For some context on how his value is exploding, AFP Analytics, at the beginning of this offseason, had projected Pinto for a five-year contract with a $5.9M AAV on his next deal.

The 24-year-old had his second 20-goal season last year, with 21 and 37 points in 70 games, along with a plus/minus rating of +10. The 6'3", 204-pound center will be a key player for the Senators this season.