Rumor: Bruins have an intriguing trade offer for Senators

We're just two weeks away from the opening of the Ottawa Senators' 2023-24 training camp and it's been absolute radio silence on RFA forward Shane Pinto.

The 22 year old forward is still without a contract for next season, despite putting up a stellar rookie campaign in 2022-23 where he put up 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games. Senators insider Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Sun reported this past weekend that Pinto and the Senators are far apart in negotiations but are hopeful that a deal can be reached before training camp opens up. But, there are also rumors out there that Senators GM Pierre Dorion is shopping Pinto on the trade market to see if he can get extract more value via trade than by signing Pinto.

Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now reports that the Senators prefer 21 year old prospect Ridly Greig to Pinto, essentially making Pinto expendable. But, it's important to note that expendable does not mean 'free' or even 'cheap', for that matter. Murphy reports that the price tag on Pinto is high, but suspects that the Boston Bruins are interested and could offer up prospects Fabian Lysell and/or John Beecher in a deal.

Lysell is the Bruins' 1st round selection (21st overall) from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft who enjoyed a productive first season of pro hockey in North America, scoring 14 goals and 37 points for the AHL's Providence Bruins in 54 games. Beecher was the Bruins' 1st round selection (30th overall) in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and also had a stellar season with the AHL's Bruins. The big, two-way power forward put up nine goals and 23 points in 61 games.

Personally, I think Pinto is better than either Lysell and/or Beecher and has a higher potential upside, as well. Still, we've seen Dorion give up on his prospects before in an attempt to shuffle his deck. I wouldn't be surprised if he stuck his neck out once again on a potentially hazardous deal. If he does then the Bruins will still be on the hook for signing Pinto which, obviously, could be an issue. The team has just $429,000 in cap space according to CapFriendly.com.