Apr 27, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) controls the puck in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Place. The Flyers defeated the Senators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve been expecting it.. and It’s official. Daniel Alfredsson is an Ottawa Senator.
Daniel Alfredsson signed a one-day contract to retire an Ottawa Senator at a Thursday 9:30 am press conference. The news is huge for Senators fans and Daniel Alfredsson as it acts as mending of a relationship that once appeared to be severed.
Daniel Alfredsson spent 17 years with the Senators before moving to Detroit in 2013. The story is well known, and after the day of July 5th, 2013 it appeared as though this relationship could be over.
Great photo. Draft day meets retirement. Late round pick who never celebrated draft day. #AlfieDay @Citizenkwarren pic.twitter.com/bApbaZRKqw
— Shawn Simpson (@TSNSimmer) December 4, 2014
The one-day deal is the beginning of what is expected to be a grand retirement party for the 41-year-old swede. Alfredsson is expected to take part in the Senators pre-game warmup skate where the pre-game ceremony and crowd reaction is expected to be one of a kind.
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk was on hand at the event, praising Alfie and mending their relationship.
Melnyk has not been a popular character amongst fans in recent years, but you have to commend what he’s been able to do in the early going this season. The Senators on-ice product has not been great this season, but Eugene Melnyk has to have boosted his popularity.
The Senators stepped up in the summer, signing pending UFA’s Craig Anderson and Clarke MacArthur. They gave Bobby Ryan the money he was looking for and named Erik Karlsson captain. A list of popular moves was continued today by Melnyk as he signed Alfredsson to a one-day contract.
A brief quote from Melnyk sums up the event..
"“Today is truly a special day, something we were all waiting for this week. I want to start off by thanking Daniel for everything he’s done for the city, the fans, and his charities.I just want to say, welcome home Daniel.Without question, Daniel has been the greatest player this city has ever seen”"
Stay tuned for more on todays events. #AlfieDay.