Michael Andlauer has reacted to Daniel Alfredsson’s move to the nhl/toronto-maple-leafs” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-is-sponsored=”false”>Toronto Maple Leafs, admitting he would have preferred not to see the Senators legend join one of Ottawa’s biggest rivals.
The Senators owner released a statement after Alfredsson was named an associate coach on Jim Hiller’s staff, saying the organization would always welcome him back.
“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 the characteristics of what it meant to be an Ottawa Senator.”
“While I wish he wasn’t joining an arch rival, Alfie is forever an Ottawa Senator and the door will always be open for his return. He has done so much for our organization and community and he has my full respect,” he added.
Daniel Alfredsson spent the past three seasons behind Ottawa’s bench after returning to the organization following his Hall of Fame playing career, during which he became one of the franchise’s greatest players and longtime captain.
Alfredsson is one of three additions to Jim Hiller’s coaching staff, joining John Gruden and Brad Werenka in Toronto.
Daniel Alfredsson brings decades of experience to the Maple Leafs
Daniel Alfredsson’s arrival gives Toronto one of the NHL’s most accomplished former players behind the bench.
Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller welcomed the addition, saying Alfredsson’s leadership and experience made him a natural fit for the coaching staff.
“I’m incredibly excited to add Daniel, John and Brad to our coaching staff. Daniel’s experience, leadership and understanding of the game speak for themselves,” Hiller said.
Before joining Toronto, Alfredsson spent the past three seasons with Ottawa, first working in player development before becoming an assistant coach. He also serves as an assistant coach with Sweden’s men’s national team.
Daniel Alfredsson spent 17 seasons with the Senators and one with the Detroit Red Wings, recording 444 goals and 713 assists for 1,157 points in 1,246 regular-season games. He also had 100 points in 124 playoff appearances.
He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in 1996, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, the Mark Messier Leadership Award and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022. Internationally, he helped Sweden win Olympic gold in 2006 and was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2018.
Edited by Sonali Verma
