Stone still open to signing long-term deal with Senators

While the Ottawa Senators and Mark Stone may have only come to terms on a one-year contract this offseason, the star forward is confident both sides will be able to reach a long-term agreement in the future.

Stone inked a one-year, $7.35-million contract just hours before his scheduled arbitration meeting with the club. Luckily, both sides avoided the unpleasantness of arbitration and remain on good terms, leaving Stone believing a long-term deal down the road is possible.

"I was really happy with the way everything panned out," Stone said, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. "I don't think either side really wanted to take it to arbitration. We're really happy with the number and both sides are really happy to have the opportunity to try and work something out long-term."

Stone can sign an extension anytime after Jan. 1, 2019. He is coming off his most productive season in terms of points per game, as the 26-year-old tallied 62 points in 2017-18 (tied for the team lead) despite being limited to just 58 games due to injury.

Having managed no fewer than 20 goals and 54 points in his first four full seasons in the league, Stone will likely cash in once his next round of contract talks pick up.

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