The Anaheim Ducks got Trevor Zegras signed to a bridge deal which took the biggest name off the RFA market. They needed to make sure that they got it done otherwise they’d be without a key piece to their offense this season.
However, it also made it clear that he was a priority over Jamie Drysdale who the Ducks also need to get signed. It is big for them to get that done. He was out for most of the 2022-23 season but he should be healthy and ready to go now. He just needs a contract.
The thing is, Drysdale’s lack of contract gets a ton of attention but he isn’t the only notable RFA still without a deal. We are less than a week before the regular season begins and this is still a conversation. Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators is still awaiting a deal.
Pinto was a high draft pick for the Senators in 2019 as they made him their second-round (32nd overall) pick. That would be a first-round pick in 2023. He is a great player that the Senators need to get signed.
Shane Pinto and Jamie Drysdale both need to get contract extensions still.
In 2022-23, he took a massive step forward as he scored 20 goals and had 15 assists for 35 points while playing in all 82 games. He needs to get those assist numbers up to truly become a star but reaching 20 goals for the first time sure was nice to see.
That was also the first time he played in more than 12 games and he was considered to be a rookie so a 20-goal rookie campaign certainly isn’t bad. He has a lot more developing to do but is off to a great start. They just need to get him signed.
The Senators are without Josh Norris right now too as he had somewhat of a setback as he tries to return from a major injury that kept him out for most of 2022-23. He only played in eight games after having a major breakout year the season before.
When he gets back, and he will soon, the Senators want to make sure Pinto is there so they have their full complement of forwards. They also want to make sure that Pinto is there so he can continue developing his already strong game. They also may need him even more if Norris isn’t ready by the time the season starts.
Although Pinto and Drysdale are both more notable because of what they’ve done so far in their careers, the only other RFA still out there besides them is Tim Berni of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He was a sixth-round pick out of Switzerland and he is a defenseman that still has a lot of developing to do so Columbus may not be in a rush. They have a ton of other defenseman ahead of him on the depth chart. We’ll see how that saga ends.
As for Drysdale and Pinto, hockey fans need them back as soon as possible. These are amazing players who have to keep playing so that they can become the best versions of themselves. Hopefully, this ends with everyone happy just like the Zegras situation.