The Ottawa Senators have confirmed the news that has been hinted at around these parts for weeks- Daniel Alfredsson will return for a 17th season in the NHL.
This is great news for the organization and it fills what would have been a significant void in the team’s top six forwards. Alfie says he has been training regularly, and actually feels ahead of where he was at this point last off season.
The news was made official via a joint news release from Sens GM Bryan Murray and the team owner, Eugene Melnyk. From the official news release:
“I’m excited to get ready for another season,” said Alfredsson. “I’ve been training for about a month and a half and my body feels a lot further ahead of where it was last year at this point. I expect to come into camp stronger and fitter than I did last year.”
“I spoke to my family (about the decision to return) and we are all on the same page – if I am motivated to continue to play, then they will be supportive of me playing. It really came down to asking if I had the motivation to come back and be happy about the decision to return. I definitely feel that way and know that I am ready and have more in the tank to give.”
I believe I speak for everyone when I say, "Alfie! Alfie! Alfie!". You can read the full news release here.
