Daniel Alfredsson is once again a member of the Ottawa Senators organization.
The team announced on Thursday evening that the former long-time captain of the team has returned to the organization in a front office role and will now be their senior advisor of hockey operations.
"I am excited for our fans and our team that Daniel has agreed to begin the second part of his storied hockey career right where he belongs – with the Senators. Daniel has been an exceptional part of our team’s history. He was a tremendous leader on the ice and equally in our community. I very much want him to continue to be part of our hockey club and our city," team owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement released by the team.
"Bringing the Stanley Cup to Ottawa has always been my focus, now more than ever. I believe Daniel’s experience and track record as one of the elite players in our league will bring us closer to that goal."
In his new role with the team, Alfredsson will help with player development and scouting.
Originally a sixth-round pick by the team in 1994, Alfredsson spent the first 17 years of his 18-year career with the Senators where he was the franchise's all-time leader in goals, assists and total points. Only Chris Phillips (1,179) is ahead of him on the team's all-time games played list (Alfredsson appeared in 1,178 games with the team).
"I want to thank Eugene and Bryan for giving me this tremendous opportunity," Alfredsson said in a statement.
"Retiring from the game but having this chance to remain part of the hockey world, especially in Ottawa, is very special. The Senators have an outstanding hockey operations department and coaching staff. They have built a fast, highly skilled team along with a solid roster of young prospects. I believe my experience as a player can help provide a boost to this group and allow us to keep the momentum from last year’s exciting season."
Following the 2012-13 season Alfredsson and the Senators were able to come to terms on a new deal, resulting him in signing a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. It would be the only season of his career he did not spend in Ottawa. He played in 68 games with the Red Wings, scoring 18 goals to go with 31 assists.
During his career Alfredsson recorded 1,157 points (444 goals, 713 assists) between the two teams.
The Senators won 43 games a season and qualified for the playoffs thanks to an incredible late-season surge that saw them overcome a huge deficit in the playoff race. They lost in the first round to the Montreal Canadiens in six games.
