Josh Norris and Shane Pinto’s Returns Bolster Ottawa Senators’ Center Depth”
The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for a positive change as Shane Pinto, who was suspended by the National Hockey League (NHL) for violating gambling rules, is set to make his season debut against the Philadelphia Flyers. Pinto’s return comes after signing a one-year contract worth $775,000 U.S. on Friday, providing the team with much-needed depth at center. The 23-year-old has been practicing with the Senators for the past 10 days, showing promise and strength.
Teammates, including defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker, express excitement about having Pinto back in the lineup. Bernard-Docker notes that Pinto’s presence will positively impact the entire team, acknowledging the significance of inserting a player of Pinto’s caliber.
Pinto’s journey to this point has been challenging. Initially missing training camp due to contract constraints, he was on the verge of securing a two-year deal before an NHL investigation into his sports wagering activities disrupted the negotiations. Despite a suspension of 41 games, Pinto cooperated with the investigation, and the NHL Players’ Association negotiated a settlement without an appeal. Now, with the suspension behind him, Pinto can finally focus on playing again.
Having last played on April 13 of the previous season, Pinto faces the challenge of readjusting to the game after a hiatus of nearly a year. Bernard-Docker, who also played alongside Pinto at the University of North Dakota, acknowledges the mental and physical challenges Pinto has endured but expresses confidence that he will become a significant asset to the team.
The Senators undoubtedly missed Pinto’s contributions, as he recorded 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points in 82 games last season. Known for his two-way play and defensive abilities, Pinto’s return is expected to boost team morale significantly.
The positive news doesn’t end with Pinto’s return; center Josh Norris is also back in action after recovering from an upper-body injury. Norris had missed four games, and his return, combined with Pinto’s, provides the Senators with the full complement of their top three centers – including Tim Stutzle – for the first time in a year.
Interim coach Jacques Martin has the luxury of a strengthened center depth, with Pinto, Norris, and Stutzle available. While Pinto typically occupies the top center spot, Martin decided to keep the top two lines intact for the Flyers game, scratching winger Zack MacEwen. This decision allows Ridly Greig to stay between Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux on the first line, maintaining line continuity.
Norris, a key player on the power play, was placed on the third line alongside Parker Kelly and Vladimir Tarasenko. The fourth line saw a positional change, with Mark Kastelic moving to the wing alongside Rourke Chartier in the middle.
Despite Norris briefly leaving the game against the Winnipeg Jets due to taking a puck to the midsection, his return, coupled with Pinto’s comeback, sets a positive tone for the Senators. With additional depth up front, the team looks forward to overcoming challenges and making strides in the ongoing season.
Leave a Reply