Devils decline. Bastian is super underrated and that cap space is better used on a goalie

I doubt the Sens will get Pinto that low. So I don't think that trade works unfortunately.

He has no leverage as a 10.2(c) RFA. Look at what Sean Durzi got after 27 points in 64 games. I think 1 x $1.75m would realistically be good for both sides.

Honestly Bastian is completely on par with Kubalik in terms of on-ice ability, at worst.
Factoring cap hit and team-control into the mix makes this an ez Devils decline.

Pinto signs for closer to 2.5 million, per Elliotte Friedman.

https://twitter.com/NHL_Watcher/status/1699484058630193388

Oh it would be wicked to get him for that.

That's more what I would expect.

Pinto should honestly just take what Frost got or a tad less

Frost had 46 points got 2.1m x 2 years Pinto had 35 points so honestly I would say do that kind of deal

As if we look at 2 good comparable

Lunderstom got 1.8 x 2 years had 29 points and Frost had 46 points and got 2.1m x 2 years so thats probs the perfect range.

Cannot split up Bastian and McLeod. One without the other would be like a razor without blades, drums without drumsticks, wheels without tires. They just won’t work separately.

Don't think the Devils are looking to add scoring depth. They seem really fine in that department (like Ottawa). Bastian is a role player for them so they might want to hold onto that cap space and see what they need later in the season


The Athletic a few weeks ago estimated that pinto AAV would be around 1.78 on a 2 years bridge... Not sure why Pinto would make more on a 1 year?

Have you seen the comparables? Harvey-Pinard scored 14 goals in 34 games (just to blow the Pinto scored 20 argument out of the water) and got 1.1 x 2 years. Morgan Frost just got 2.1 x 2 years. Lafreniere, Noah Cates, Dellandrea, Wahlstrom... Why would Pinto be overpaid? And he's only one with no leverage too


EF can be reliable but that doesn't guarantee his ability to take guesses like that, probably didn't have much time to put into this. I did.


Frost > Pinto at this point in time, it's also 2 years (first year is always cheaper) and Frost is almost 2 years older (closer to UFA status) and had leverage.

If Pinto gets 2.5 AAV on a 1 year bridge (because that's what his team needs to do, it's a vast overpayment

But here's the thing Pinto does have leverage he can just go fine I wont play for you trade me or go play for a European/Russian team till Ottawa gives in. And when that happens things get messy and you dont want that if your OTT who is trying to make the playoffs.

2.5m is to much which is why 1.8-2.1m makes perfect sense for Pinto who finished with 20 goals and 15 assists in his first full NHL season

I followed him all season and he was underwhelming except at the beginning of the season where he had 6 goals in the first 8 games. Not entirely his fault though, he was thrown to the wolves in a role he wasn't ready for with Norris injury. His line got manhandled defensively

Sitting the season would not be a smart investment for him, particularly after missing a full season already