{"id":464170,"date":"2026-02-20T03:27:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T03:27:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/464170\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T03:27:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T03:27:16","slug":"could-shane-pinto-be-heading-to-the-wild","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/464170\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Shane Pinto Be Heading to the Wild?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If the Ottawa Senators decide to sell at the trade deadline, Shane Pinto<\/a> might be on the move. Minnesota has some cap space, they need help down the middle, and they\u2019re clearly looking at bigger names who can make an impact. The Athletic even mentioned Pinto and his Senators\u2019 teammate Claude Giroux<\/a> as players the Wild might check in on.<\/p>\n

The Wild Need Help Down the Middle, and Pinto Can Help<\/p>\n

It actually lines up pretty well. Minnesota could use more depth down the middle and someone who can score, and Pinto checks both boxes. In Ottawa, Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens have the top-six center spots locked down, so Pinto\u2019s stuck on the third line. He\u2019s shown he can play higher in the lineup because he\u2019s talented and ready for a bigger role.<\/p>\n

The contract situation works too. Pinto\u2019s cap hit this year is $3.75 million, and he\u2019s signed for four more years at $7.5 million AAV, with no trade protection for the first couple of seasons. The Wild could make that work, especially if they trade Jesper Wallstedt<\/a>. Such a move doesn\u2019t sound out of touch, especially given that Ottawa has poor goals-against numbers and could use a real upgrade in net.<\/p>\n

\"\"Could Shane Pinto of the Senators be traded at the deadline?<\/p>\n

Giroux Could Work, But He Wouldn\u2019t Bring Pinto\u2019s Future<\/p>\n

Compare Pinto to Giroux. Giroux is older and a UFA after the season, so while he might help short-term. He\u2019s cheaper, and he\u2019s still putting up 10 goals and 37 points in 53 games, but he\u2019s a short-term fix. Giroux is an option, but if Minnesota wants someone who can contribute now and in the future, Pinto makes more sense.<\/p>\n

It could really work out for both teams. Ottawa moves a talented guy they\u2019re not using fully and gets something back, while Minnesota picks up a young center who can score and strengthen their depth. Toss in a goalie swap with Wallstedt, and suddenly it\u2019s a trade that actually changes things for both sides.<\/p>\n

Senators Fans Shouldn\u2019t Be Surprised if Pinto Moves<\/p>\n

Bottom line: keep an eye on Pinto. If the Senators start selling, the Wild are exactly the kind of team that could make a run at him. Young, dynamic, center-ice talent doesn\u2019t grow on trees\u2014and Minnesota has the cap space and motivation to swing big.<\/p>\n

Related: As Oilers, Senators, Others Seek Defensive Help, Insider Lists Available Options<\/a><\/p>\n

\tDiscover more from NHL Trade Talk<\/p>\n

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