Daniel Alfredsson Calls It a Career
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Bruce Bennett/Getty Images(OTTAWA, Ontario) — Daniel Alfredsson is officially retired.
The 41-year-old Alfredsson signed a ceremonial contract with the Ottawa Senators Thursday, so he could retire a member of the team he played with for 17 NHL seasons.
“One evening nearly 20 years ago a young man in a small town in Sweden got a phone call that would change his life,” Alfredsson said during a press conference. “We began an incredible new chapter of our lives in your town starting in August 1995. Our marvelous boys were born here, and we grew from youngsters into aging parents. You made your town our town.”
Alfredsson made six All-Star teams while playing for Ottawa and owns the franchise record for goals (426), assists (682) and points (1,108). He also scored 14 goals in the team’s run to the Stanley Cup final in 2007 and served as team captain for 13 seasons.
“Without question, Daniel has been the greatest player that this city has ever seen in many, many different ways,” Senators owner, governor and chairman Eugene Melnyk said. “As a player on the ice, as a leader on the ice, as someone who interacted with the fans any time. He was always available. For any charitable work, he was always available. For media, he was always there. That’s a rare commodity to have in an organization like ours. Being the longest-serving captain in what is really an infant franchise is phenomenal, for 13 years being our captain.”
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