Wishes Do Come True – Daniel Alfredsson Wil Return
The raising of the #11 to the rafters of Canadian Tire Centre where it will eventually live in perpetuity is going to have to wait a little longer.
May 19, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing
Daniel Alfredsson(11) controls the puck in the first period in game three of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest question heading into the off-season was answered this morning, as it was confirmed that Ottawa Senators captain and face of the franchise Daniel Alfredsson will indeed return for at least one more season.
Although not as prolific offensively as he was 5 or 6 years ago in the Pizza line era, Alfredsson’s leadership and veteran savvy still make him a top 6 forward and his return will ease the transition as some of the younger players like Mika Zibanejad, Jakob Silfverberg and Mark Stone among others make a bid for the minutes that they aren’t quite ready for right now.
The news also comes at a time where the Senators were attempting to set their budget and make “Plan Bs” in case Alfredsson did decide to hang up his skates. That means the Senators will not likely be shopping for a big name free agent or even someone like Daniel Briere who might have been a nice fit if Alfie did not return.
The return of Alfredsson is great news for the team, organization, fans and the City of Ottawa.