Offer sheets are a rarity in the NHL and it’s even rarer that there is word of a player believed to be trying to solicit one on the opening day of free agency. However, that appears to be the case in Ottawa as Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch reports (Twitter link) that Shane Pinto’s camp will be looking to get an offer sheet when the market opens up on Monday.
[Related: Offer Sheet Thresholds for 2024]
The Senators and Pinto haven’t had much success with contract talks. Last year, the two sides weren’t close to an agreement for most of the summer and just when it looked like they were closing in on an agreement, the 23-year-old was suspended for the first half of the season for a violation of the league’s gambling policy. Upon being reinstated, he didn’t have much choice but to accept a pro-rated deal for the minimum salary of $775K.
To his credit, Pinto was rather productive for the Sens down the stretch, notching nine goals and 18 assists while logging over 18 minutes a night. That brought him up to 30 goals and 40 assists in 140 career NHL appearances.
Both sides were believed to be interested in a long-term agreement but a report in mid-May suggested that they were far apart on money with Pinto’s camp believed to be seeking around $5MM on that contract. The report that he’s now seeking an offer sheet indicates that they remain far apart in discussions.
A $5MM asking price pegs the required compensation at a first-round pick and a third-round pick. Both of those must be 2025 selections and the offer-sheeting team must have their own picks to use; they can’t substitute one from another team. That means that 16 teams are ineligible to attempt to give Pinto an offer sheet at that threshold, per CapFriendly, unless they’re able to re-acquire their own selections first.
Once the market officially opens up at 11 AM CT on Monday, there will generally be a free-for-all when it comes to unrestricted free agent signings so if Pinto is to get his way and get an offer sheet, he may have to be patient and wait for the dust to settle before assessing if there is a viable option out there. Unlike many restricted free agents, salary arbitration isn’t an option as he is ineligible for one this summer so if he wants to show the Sens that he’s worth the money he’s seeking, an offer sheet is the only route he can take.
I think Ottawa might be better off if he DOES get an offer sheet, but I am not sure how many teams would bite…
What would it take to just straight trade for Pinto?
That’s kinda the thing. If no one offer sheets him, it kinda forces the Sens to trade low. Or go to arbitration, where he probably doesn’t get anything near $5M. I think the offer sheet is wishful thinking.
Not eligible for arbitration.
It’s not often you hear a player’s camp openly soliciting an offer sheet. “You better pay me what I want, or somebody out there will offer sheet me!” Somebody might. And, it could be a low-ball offer sheet just to send a message. At the rate Pinto’s going, he’ll end up on the European Tour earlier than he might like.
A 1 year 4.5m would only cost a team a 2nd and surely OTT wouldn’t like paying that.
5 x $4,580,917 would only cost a 2nd!
Pinto isn’t a bad player, but he’d be overpaid at 4.5. Guy wants to get paid according to his potential, not according to his performance so far.
Find another agent Shane.
Seattle is looking for a right-shot center , has the picks, and prospects. I cannot in a gazillion years imagine Ron Francis doing an offer sheet – he’s too nice – but I could see a trade being an option
Maybe an extra shot in his morning latte will get the courage up. I’ll bring coffee tomorrow.
Maybe a deal can be made here around Robertson +. Pinto fits their biggest need, IMO, which is another, quality middle six forward– his age and position makes it a plus, as you can shift Tavares to the wing.
No one wants Robertson. After he demanded a trade. No one wants Leafs soft as a Cottoneille commerical.
Sounds like he’s leaving one way or another. Flyers?