After spending a few days in Ottawa, Senators restricted free agent Shane Pinto decided to leave the federal capital to return to the United States.
Postmedia journalist Bruce Garrioch learned this on Friday. Apparently the forward felt he was being given too much attention in Ottawa and wanted to focus on his training.
• Also read: Senators: Brannstrom on his departure?
• Also read: Senators: Shane Pinto is in town
The 22-year-old and the “Sens” still cannot agree on the terms of a new contract. However, according to the TSN network, it would be the lack of space on the Senators’ payroll that would prevent this matter from being resolved.
The organization’s payroll in Ottawa only has $62,620 available. General manager Pierre Dorion therefore has to pull a rabbit out of the hat to make room for Pinto.
Last year, in his first full season in the National League, the second-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2019 draft scored 20 times and had 15 assists for 35 points in 82 games.