NY Islanders Send Scouts to View Ottawa Senators two nights in a row

Per Stefan Rosner on X, the NY Islanders had a scout at a second-straight Ottawa Senators game on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. While Ottawa has long been a potential trade market for the Islanders, here are some potential matches on the Sens and how they could fit into the Islanders lineup.

SHANE PINTO

The Long Island native has been on Islanders fan's radar since the summer break. The forward was an RFA at the end of the 2022-23 season but remained unsigned by the Sens after receiving a 41-game suspension for violating the NHL's sports betting rules to start the season. Many fans across the league wondered if the Sens were shopping the forward during his suspension, but Pinto was signed to a one-year league minimum contract on January 19th, 2024, just in time for his return to the league.

Pinto is a young, two-way, physical centerman - some might say similar to Brock Nelson. Currently playing on the Sens' second line, Pinto still contributes greatly to the Sens lineup. the 23-year-old averages about 18 minutes of ice time a night and has a shooting percentage of 11.4 in just 15 games, contributing 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points. While he is still young and has room for improvement in his game, Pinto is a winner in the faceoff circle and plays on the power play. It's been a long time coming having a native Long Islander who grew up rooting for the Isles play for the blue and orange, and it's about time Pinto comes home. He is exactly what the Islanders need in a Nelson replacement if he were to be traded or leave via free agency following next season.