Jan 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Red Wings, 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Its hard to believe that it was only 8 months ago the city of Ottawa was in an uproar the days leading up to the opening of free agency and the decision of Daniel Alfredsson to jump ship and join the Detroit Red Wings.
All of the talk for the rest of the summer and the first couple of months of the season expressed anger, vitriol and frustration on both the parts of the Senators and the Alfredsson camp.
Fast forward to now, it appears as though the anger has waned. Tonight marks the former Captain’s second return to Ottawa in a Red Wings’ uniform, and there is far less hoopla surrounding the game this time around.
I am sure there is a faction of fans who will voice their displeasure, as well as those who will show their support, but it won’t be as strong either way as it was in December when he made his first return.
I am sure that after he retires from the league, the support and respect for him will return and the Senators will raise the #11 to the rafters. At that point Sens fans will relive the great days as well as some of the trials and tribulations of his tenure in Ottawa.
But, after the emotional roller coaster Senators fans went on for a few months, for now Alfredsson is just another player who used to be part of the Senators. He falls somewhere between Dany Heatley and Mike Fisher on the spectrum of Senators alumni.