Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion can confidently declare “Mission Accomplished” on what was arguably the most important task before him this season. The team announced today that it has signed both Jacob Bernard-Docker and Shane Pinto to three-year, entry-level contracts.

Bernard-Docker, who was selected late in the first round of the 2018 draft, joins the Senators after having spent three seasons at the University of North Dakota. He compiled 18 points in 27 games there this season, and earned NCHC Defensive Defenceman of the Year honours.

The blue line has been a massive concern for Ottawa over the last few years, which is a major reason that Bernard-Docker has been viewed as such a pivotal piece in the system. While he’s not going to walk in as an immediate Norris Trophy contender, he will almost certainly provide the organization with higher-quality minutes than many of the bodies that have filled spots both this year and last. The opportunity for a defense prospect like Bernard-Docker is as good in Ottawa as anywhere else in the league – if not better – simply because there’s very little quality on the current roster.

Pinto, for his part, joins the Senators after playing two seasons also at the University of North Dakota. He tallied 32 points in 28 games this season, and arrives as a professional with a stellar amateur resume; he was awarded Forward of the Year and Defensive Forward of the Year by his collegiate conference this year.

While nobody was ever really concerned about the potential that Pinto and/or Bernard-Docker wouldn’t sign with the Senators, this nevertheless remains a really important day for the future of the franchise. These two players have a lot of potential, and represent key parts of the next generation of players that have this fan base feeling optimistic about the future. Another part of that next generation is Jake Sanderson, the team’s fifth overall pick in last years draft. Also a product of the UND program, Sanderson is reportedly expected to stay at school for another year.

As always, thanks for reading.

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