Senators on Hoffman ruling: 'We want to see if Mike can do it again'

Mike Hoffman's team-leading 27 goals didn't sway the Ottawa Senators, or an independent arbitrator.

The late-blooming 25-year-old winger was on the wrong end of a third-party ruling Monday, accepting a one-year, $2-million deal - just $250,000 more than the Senators' initial ask.

As such, the onus remains snugly fitted to Hoffman's shoulders, and unlike fellow rookie Mark Stone, he'll be forced to prove his worth all over again.

"Mike's road to the NHL has been a bit longer than Mark Stone," Senators assistant general manager Pierre Dorion said in a conference call, according to Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Sun. "Stone was one of our best players in the second half last year and his play never tailed off.

"Mike's play tailed off a bit in the second half and we want to see if Mike can do it again ... we have a lot of confidence and faith Mike can do that next year."

Hoffman saw his production and role diminish as Ottawa streaked toward an improbable playoff berth on the back of Stone, in whom the front office invested $10.5 million (or more than five times their investment in Hoffman) for his emergence into spring.

"Not every player gets (long-term security)," Hoffman told reporters Tuesday, shooting down a potential rift between the two parties.

"That's how arbitration goes." he added. "I'm just glad I could finally get it done."