Former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson joining rival Maple Leafs as an assistant coach

Former Ottawa Senator captain and assistant coach Daniel Alfredsson during a practice session in 2024. Photo by Tony Caldwell /POSTMEDIA

Article content

Say it ain’t so, Alfie!

Article content

Former Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson is leaving his post as an assistant coach on Travis Green’s to join the arch-rival Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach on Jim Hiller’s staff, which can only be described as a shocking turn of events.

Article content

Article content

Alfredsson, 53, who spent two years on Green’s staff, will be joining his former Team Sweden teammate Mats Sundin, who is leading the Leafs’ front office. It’s believed that Sundin’s presence played a huge role in Alfredsson’s decision to leave Ottawa.

Article content

Article content

He was brought back to the Senators by owner Michael Andlauer when his group closed on the purchase of the club in 2023. Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, installed Alfredsson into a player development role for the 2023-24 campaign.

Article content

Article content

Head coach D.J. Smith was fired at Christmas and then Alfredsson moved behind the bench with interim head coach Jacques Martin.

Article content

Andlauer released a statement on Tuesday that left the door open for Alfredsson to return to the organization anytime he wants.

Article content

What did the Senators say?

Article content

“One of the first moves we made after taking over the franchise was bringing Daniel Alfredsson back into the fold as an assistant coach in December of 2023,” Andlauer said. “I quickly learned that Alfie embodied all of the characteristics of what it meant to be an Ottawa Senator.

Article content

“While I wish he wasn’t joining an arch-rival, Alfie is forever a Senator and the door will always be open for his return. He has done so much for our organization and community; he has my full respect.”

Article content

This is still shocking news for the organization and it will be difficult for the fan base to stomach. If Alfredsson had moved anywhere but Toronto or the Montreal Canadiens, it probably wouldn’t be as difficult for the fans here.

Article content

Article content

This was shocking news to the people of Leaf Nation, either.

Article content

Article content

Alfredsson was Public Enemy No. 1 in Toronto for a large part of his playing career. He had some of the best moments of his career in the Battle of Ontario, but we’re certain that Leaf Nation will embrace him with open arms.

Article content

This isn’t the first time that Alfredsson, the first player in modern-day history of the franchise to have his No. 11 pulled up to the rafters, has left the organization.

Article content

On July 5, 2013, Alfredsson left the Senators as an unrestricted free agent to join the Detroit Red Wings for his final year in the league. The departure caused angst among the fans after Alfredsson declared he didn’t feel he’d been treated fairly by late owner Eugene Melnyk.

Article content

Article content

What did the Leafs say about the signing?

Article content

The Leafs confirmed that Alfredsson will be part of a coaching staff that includes John Gruden and Brad Werenka.

Article content

Though Sundin and Alfredsson were rivals throughout their National Hockey League careers, they won a gold medal together as members of Team Sweden at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.

Article content

“I’m incredibly excited to add Daniel, John and Brad to our coaching staff,” Hiller said. “Daniel’s experience, leadership and understanding of the game speak for themselves.

Article content

“John has established himself as one of the top coaches in the American Hockey League and played an instrumental role in leading the Marlies to a Calder Cup championship last season.

Article content

“Brad brings a unique combination of NHL experience, player development and expertise in performance analytics. Together, they’ll be outstanding additions to our team.”

Article content

Mayor Sutcliffe ‘didn’t see this coming’

Article content

This news came only hours after Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe posted a photo on Instagram with Alfredsson after presenting him a coin to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city.