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.

Hildeby exudes confidence in his third Leafs camp, stepping in as the backup with Woll away. He stopped all 23 shots in two periods in the Ottawa game and impressed with his size and athleticism, signaling a clear path to more accountability if Woll remains out. Toronto leaned on him while Akhtyamov and Peksa provided depth, and the organization praised his development.

Auston Matthews, Bobby McMann and a returning offense produced Toronto’s goals, but Ottawa fought back to force overtime, with Shane Pinto delivering the OT winner. Matias Maccelli chipped in a secondary assist, and Nylander skated with Matthews in the 3-on-3, underscoring the Leafs’ high-end chemistry. The club also clarified Woll’s absence as a personal family matter, with Stolarz, Akhtyamov and Peksa in reserve.

Looking ahead, Toronto’s goaltending depth remains the talking point: Hildeby’s growth, Stolarz’s steady presence and Akhtyamov’s potential, plus the progress of young forwards Easton Cowan and Ben Danford. If Woll isn’t back soon, the Leafs could lean on this group more than initially anticipated, with Hildeby emerging as a real late-start fantasy candidate in favorable schedules.

Ottawa rallied past Toronto in a tight pre-season affair, tying on Shane Pinto’s power-play strike with two minutes left and winning 16 seconds into overtime after Fabian Zetterlund opened the comeback with a short-handed marker. Toronto built a 2-0 lead on Matthews and McMann, but the Senators outshot the Leafs and rode goaltenders Merilainen and Shepard to the upset.

Across the league, Caufield and Suzuki fueled Montreal’s 4-2 win over Philadelphia, Emberson’s late winner lifted Edmonton past Winnipeg, and Calgary depths lit up Seattle with Kerins’ PP goal as the Flames pulled away. The night underscored the depth battle and line-juggling that will shape fantasy rosters come October.

Shane Pinto's contract-year with Ottawa puts fantasy managers on alert as he eyes a secure role beyond this season. He finished last year with 37 points in 70 games and a $3.75M cap hit, while Ottawa signals openness to extension without turning the season into a distraction. Nearby, Mason McTavish is pursuing a seven-to-eight-year deal with Anaheim, with Ducks offering a shorter five-year counter around $5.5M. Michael McLeod is pegged for a Hurricanes addition, Carter Hart weighs multiple options, and the Sharks are not in the mix yet. These threads hint at shifting lines, depth roles, and goaltending markets that could recalibrate fantasy value early in camp.