Shane Pinto's extension with the Ottawa Senators sits on the back burner, but the whispers point to a long-term deal likely starting around seven figures. A 30-goal season could push the price beyond Dylan Cozens' $7.1M, given Pinto's all-around game and top-six upside. The cap rise aids a larger, multi-year commitment.

Ottawa envisions Pinto as a centerpiece who can free Tim Stutzle and wear tough minutes, making a seven-year pact plausible if production holds. The discussion mirrors broader NHL rumors about similar young centers, with Pinto positioned as a high-value asset in a competitive window.

Meanwhile, chatter around Mason McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks underscores how quickly rising ceilings for young pivots reshape contracts and line combos across the league.

Ottawa opened training camp intent on playoff advancement, but Alex Formenton won’t participate as the club pursues a fresh start and explores a trade in light of his acquittal on sexual assault charges from 2018. The roster focus shifts to internal competition and building on last season’s breakthrough, with leadership from Brady Tkachuk and a mix of new and returning faces ready to push for ice time.

Jordan Spence joins the defense alongside a healthy return to form from Nick Jensen and the ongoing evaluation of Tim Stutzle’s right-wing line, potentially pairing with Fabian Zetterlund or Claude Giroux. Lars Eller signed for a year, Dylan Cozens and Zetterlund are in the lineup, and the camp cadence is set by a demanding, growth-oriented coaching staff. The team remains hopeful about early-season durability and depth as they navigate roster decisions and development pathways.

Injury notes center on Jensen’s hip rehab and Eller’s minor abdominal procedure, which could influence the opening roster. The camp atmosphere emphasizes competition, accountability, and players rising to the challenge, with Staios and Green signaling that the best answers will emerge from the group rather than outside additions.

Linus Ullmark achieved his first playoff shutout, recording 29 saves as the Ottawa Senators defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0, narrowing the series deficit to 3-2. The Senators opened scoring with goals from Thomas Chabot and Dylan Cozens, while Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk sealed the victory with empty-netters. Ullmark's performance marked a pivotal moment in the series, showcasing Ottawa's resilience against playoff pressure. Despite Toronto's early dominance, the Senators' two-game comeback demonstrates their fighting spirit and ability to handle elimination scenarios.

This matchup highlighted Toronto’s struggles during high-stakes moments, given their poor record in series-clinching games during the Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner era. As the teams head into Game 6, Ottawa aims to continue their pressure, while Toronto must find a way to secure their first series win since 2004.