Daniel Alfredsson spent 18 seasons as a Senator, played 1,178 games in Ottawa, and had his number retired by the organization. But now he’s heading to Toronto. And he knows exactly what that means for his relationship with the fanbase.
Alfredsson was officially introduced as the Maple Leafs’ new associate head coach under Jim Hiller this week, and he did not dodge the awkwardness of joining a division rival. Speaking with David Alter of The Hockey News, the longtime Senators captain addressed the move head-on.
“I’d like to thank Michael (Andlauer) and Ottawa Senators organization for everything they’ve done for the team, the city and myself and my family,” Alfredsson said. “Steve (Staios) and the coaching staff as well for giving me a chance into coaching. Now I’ve caught the coaching bug, which I’m very happy about. I’ve learned a ton from you guys and keep up the good work and what you started there.”
Then came the part that might sting for Sens fans: “Also to the Ottawa fans, love you as always thank you I understand this is an interesting day but also an exciting chapter for me as I expand my coaching career and really looking forward join Jim (Hiller) and his coaching staff and be part of Toronto.”
This isn’t the first time Alfredsson left Ottawa on complicated terms
When Alfredsson signed a one-year deal with Detroit in 2013, it caught the entire city off guard. He had been Mr. Senator forever. But he came back in 2014 for a one-day contract to retire in Ottawa, and in 2016 his No. 11 jersey became the first ever raised to the rafters at Canadian Tire Centre.
He joined the Senators’ coaching staff in 2023 as a development consultant before moving into an on-bench role under D.J. Smith. But when the Leafs came calling with the associate head coach position, Alfredsson decided it was time to take the next step in his coaching career. A step that happens to be 260 miles southwest of Ottawa.
Toronto has been searching for a veteran presence on the bench after a messy postseason exit. Hiller, who took over as interim coach mid-season and has since been given the full-time job, wanted someone with Alfredsson’s pedigree. The two played against each other for years and have mutual respect.
Alfredsson was drafted 133rd overall by the Senators in 1994 and made his NHL debut in 1995-96. He finished his career with 444 goals and 713 assists across 1,246 regular-season games. But his legacy in Ottawa is cemented, even if this new chapter tests it a little.
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