It’s the news that Senators fans expected but were anxiously awaiting this off season.
This morning a report out of Sweden has suggested that Daniel Alfredsson will return for another season in the National Hockey League. It will be his 18th season in the league. The priority for the Sens now becomes signing their Captain to a new contract.
Bryan Murray has been on record saying that Alfredsson is better than any free agent they could sign this off season and when you look at the numbers Alfie put up last year, it’s hard to disagree.
Alfredsson is coming off a season where he racked up 26 points in 47 games and another 10 points in 10 playoff games. He was more than just a good leader for this hockey team. He was their best and most consistent forward. Any questions about whether or not Alfie had anything left in the tank were answered come playoff time.
His last second goal against the Penguins was just another incredible chapter in his storied career.
Perhaps most importantly for the 40 year old Swede is the fact that he was able to stay healthy throughout the lockout shortened season. If he can do the same thing next season, there’s absolutely no reason to believe he can’t put up similar numbers.
This morning's report out of Sweden should come as no surprise as it was clear that Alfie still had more left in the tank at the end of the season. Important to note that the Sens are saying they have yet to hear confirmation from Alfredsson that he'll return next season.
Would assume that is a formality at this point.
The loyalty Daniel Alfredsson has shown to this organization over the years is something truly rare in sports. He has been the face of this franchise on the ice and a pillar in this community off of it. Here’s hoping the Ottawa Senators can give him one last shot at a Stanley Cup.
As Sens fans, we are incredibly lucky to have him as our Captain for one more year (at least).
