fom Ryan McKenna of the CP at the Globe and Mail,

Restricted free agent forward Mike Hoffman says his No. 1 goal is to remain an Ottawa Senator.

The 26-year-old, who was visiting Canadian IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe ahead of Sunday’s Honda Indy Toronto, filed for salary arbitration with the Senators on July 5.

“We’re in the midst of trying to sign a new contract here,” Hoffman said, whose arbitration date is Aug. 4. “New coach coming in, Guy Boucher, I had him in junior when I played in Drummondville of the Quebec League. Very good relationship with him, we won a championship together. So definitely looking forward to working with him this year.”

Hoffman led Ottawa with 29 goals in 2015-16 while adding 30 assists in 78 games.

He was awarded a $2-million (all currency U.S.), one-year deal by an arbitrator before last season. He had asked for a one-year, $3.4-million contract, while the Senators countered with a one-year, $1.75-million contract.

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