Ottawa Senators fans have another reason to be excited about the team's young core: centre Shane Pinto has been voted the sixth-best defensive forward in the NHL, according to The Hockey News's annual Selke Trophy rankings.
For a player still in the early stages of his career, the recognition is a significant milestone — and a sign that Ottawa may have found a cornerstone piece for years to come.
What Is the Selke Trophy?
The Frank J. Selke Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. It's one of hockey's most respected individual awards, recognizing players who bring grit, intelligence, and commitment to the defensive zone — often without the same fanfare as goal-scorers.
Past winners include legends like Bob Gainey, Guy Carbonneau, and more recently Patrice Bergeron, who won it five times. Being mentioned in the same conversation as that group is no small thing.
Pinto's Two-Way Game on Full Display
Pinto, 24, has steadily developed into one of the Senators' most dependable forwards. Known for his skating, positioning, and ability to win faceoffs, he's the kind of player coaches trust in all situations — on the penalty kill, in the final minutes of a close game, and against the opponent's top lines.
His defensive zone awareness is exceptional for his age. He doesn't just play safe — he actively disrupts opposition breakouts, wins puck battles along the boards, and transitions quickly back into the offensive zone. That complete game is what's earning him national recognition.
Why This Matters for the Sens
The Senators are in the middle of a rebuild that increasingly looks like it's working. With Brady Tkachuk leading the charge up front and a promising defensive core developing around Jake Sanderson, having a player like Pinto anchoring the middle-six — and earning Selke consideration — is a massive bonus.
Two-way centres are among the hardest players to find in the NHL. Teams pay premium prices for them in free agency and at the trade deadline. The fact that Ottawa has one developing in-house, on a reasonable contract, is exactly the kind of quiet win that builds contenders.
Senators fans in Ottawa are starting to see the full picture come together. A team that was at the bottom of the standings just a few years ago now has a player being recognized as one of the league's best defensive forwards. That's real progress.
The Road Ahead
With the Senators expected to take another step forward next season, Pinto's two-way ability will be central to how far they go. Matching up against opponents' top lines, killing penalties, and keeping games tight in the third period — these are the things that win in the playoffs.
If Pinto continues on his current trajectory, don't be surprised to see him receiving actual Selke Trophy votes in the coming seasons. For now, landing sixth on The Hockey News's list is a well-earned nod to one of the most underrated players wearing a Senators jersey.
Ottawa has a gem in Shane Pinto. The rest of the NHL is starting to notice.
Source: The Hockey News via Google News