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Anderson, who also feels he has “a lot left in the tank”, insists his contract situation won’t be playing on his mind.

“As far as I’m concerned I have a season left to worry about and play hockey for,” he said. “I leave all that other stuff — the extra curriculars — for the agents and managers. For me it’s staying focused with the group of guys. The object at hand is to play out the season I have left on it, and just focus my energy towards that.”

Does he want to finish his career here?

“One hundred per cent,” said Anderson. “I think going back to when I came here seven, eight years ago, it’s one of those things where Ottawa has been a home for me since I got here. Welcomed me with open arms. I’ve set some pretty good roots here, as far as just getting used to the town, getting used to the fans and really enjoying my time here. It’s something that I enjoy playing for the city and for the Ottawa Senators.”

Until a deal is done, this will be a story to monitor. If they can’t come to an agreement, Anderson is too valuable of an asset to let walk away for nothing next summer.

STUFF SAID: When a reporter asked Anderson if he had trouble getting over the Game 7 double-OT loss to Pittsburgh in the ECF, he conceded it took awhile. “There’s been lots of nights where you sit there, lying awake wondering what could have been. But you put those away as the summer nears the end and worry about training camp. The good thing about my memory is its not very good. I’m looking forward to creating new memories here.” When it was pointed out to him the Senators have a recent history of missing the playoffs the year after getting in, his reply: “There you go, you’re stirring up my memory, which I don’t have.” … In odds released by Bodog on Monday, the Senators are tied with the Florida Panthers as 40-1 long shots to win the Cup. On June 12, Ottawa was 33-1. Wonder why? … Speaking of Erik Karlsson, the Senators’ captain said he very much missed not being able to golf this summer because of his ankle. “It’s probably been the toughest part,”said Karlsson. “It’s a big part of my offseason, to unwind. We’ve been fairly busy this summer, getting married and travelling around seeing other people get married. I’m not bored out of my mind just yet.”

IN CLOSING: Former Senator Chris Kelly has accepted a PTO with the Edmonton Oilers, who, according to Bodog, are 9-1 favourites to win the Cup … The best golfer among Senators players is Mike Hoffman, who gave a flash of his brilliance during the team’s charity golf tournament Monday. From 233 yards out on the 18th hole at Royal Ottawa, Hoffman hit the pin and saw the attempt at an albatross lip out … Nicest golf shirt among all players in the tournament belonged to Flashy Freddie Claesson, of course.