Daniel Alfredsson Climbs Behind the Ottawa Senators Bench for Two Games in Sweden

Alfredsson will work on the bench with the Sens coaching staff for games against Detroit and Minnesota this week.

In his vaguely titled role in coaching and player development, Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson has been a smash hit with the Ottawa Senators, working with players and coaches, primarily during practices and off-ice meetings. Alfie assumed the role last month, shortly after Michael Andlauer officially became the new owner. And his return to the team was applauded by all.

Now Alfie and the Senators are stepping it up a notch.

Alfredsson will actually be behind the Ottawa Senators bench for the first time on Thursday as the Senators face the Detroit Red Wings. It was head coach D.J. Smith’s idea and it’s a fine one, steeped in symmetry. Alfie will not only be helping out the team he led for many years as captain, he’ll be in his home country, and his coaching debut will be against the Red Wings, the team he finished his career with.

That’s a hell of a storyline.

"I'll be nervous, but it's going to be fun," Alfredsson told TSN 1200 radio. "I talked to the coaching staff, and they asked me if I would like to join them. I guess I've done a decent enough job that they trust me."

Alfredsson will remain behind the bench for the game against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, which is also in Sweden. Smith spoke about the Sens legend earlier in the week, praising Alfie.

"(Alfie) loves the Ottawa Senators," head coach D.J. Smith told the media. "He's been on the ice, working with guys like Tim Stutzle – guys in a similar position. Ultimately, what you find out about him is how competitive he is. For him to be able to come home and be a part of this, it's going to mean something to him, but I know the guys are going to want to play for him as well."

There’s no question that part of this is ceremonial. It’s possible the Senators might go another twenty years without visiting Sweden. So this might literally be a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Senators greatest player. 

But it does make you wonder how far Alfie wants to take this coaching thing. And it's not like a lot of experience is necessarily required.

Just up the road, Martin St. Louis rolled into NHL coaching in Montreal two years ago. To that point, like Alfie, St. Louis had only ever coached his kids. And the Sens new owner, for the record, was part owner of the Habs when St. Louis arrived. Perhaps one day we’ll look back at this as the start of a great new career for Alfredsson. 

His last one was pretty decent. Alfredsson is Ottawa's all-time leader in goals (426), assists (682) and points (1,108).