Shane Pinto is a professional ice hockey player from the United States, who plays as a center for the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected as the first pick of the second round in the 2019 NHL entry draft, being drafted 32nd overall by the Senators. Pinto's promising career in the NHL highlights his skills and potential as a key player for his team.
Shane Pinto was born on November 12, 2000. He would go on to become an American professional ice hockey center playing for the Ottawa Senators in the NHL.
In 2018, Shane Pinto was part of the South Kent School team that won the USA Hockey National Championship. During his final season there, he scored 34 goals and 31 assists, totaling 65 points in 54 games.
In January 2019, Shane Pinto was traded from the Lincoln Stars to the Tri-City Storm in the USHL. He was exchanged for Michael Colella and several draft picks.
On April 1, 2021, Shane Pinto concluded his collegiate career and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators, marking his transition into professional hockey.
Shane Pinto scored his first NHL goal on May 5, 2021, against the Montreal Canadiens. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his rookie NHL season.
On October 26, 2023, Shane Pinto was suspended for 41 games by the NHL for violating the league's sports gambling rules. This suspension, one of the longest in league history, was the result of a negotiation between Pinto, the NHLPA, and the league, rather than a formal disciplinary process. Pinto issued an apology for his actions.
Shane Pinto returned to the Ottawa Senators lineup on January 21, 2024, after serving his 41-game suspension. He made an immediate impact by securing his first point of the season in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.