Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now has reported that the Boston Bruins are expressing keen interest in Ottawa Senators prospect Shane Pinto. Pinto's contract negotiations have hit an impasse, with both sides still far from an agreement.
Currently, the Senators have limited cap space at $895,953. Given Pinto's impressive rookie season, where he tallied 35 points in 82 games, it's unlikely he'll accept a salary lower than his previous $925K annual earnings.
However, the trade discussions surrounding Pinto revolve around Ottawa's preference for Ridly Greig, a player selected higher in the 2020 NHL Draft who had a strong season with 29 points in 39 AHL games.
The rumored asking price for Pinto is substantial, as Ottawa seeks a high-end prospect on the verge of making the NHL roster. Potential options from Boston include Fabian Lysell and John Beecher, both of whom played for the AHL's Providence Bruins last season.
Acquiring such prospects aligns with Ottawa's strategy to bolster their roster while keeping an eye on cap space, a priority for the Senators, according to Murphy's source.
