It’s the news Ottawa Senators fans have been waiting for – captain Daniel Alfredsson will return for the 2012-13 season.
The announcement was made Tuesday morning by team owner Eugene Melnyk and general manager Bryan Murray.
"Daniel is an exceptional captain whose commitment to his teammates and to the great City of Ottawa is second to none," said Melnyk. "Daniel expects a lot out of himself both on and off the ice so I fully understand how important a decision this was for him and his family. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome and look forward to Daniel having a great year and adding to his long list of extraordinary achievements with our hockey club."
The 2011-12 season marked Alfredsson’s 16th year in the NHL. In it he scored 27 goals and added 32 assists for 59 points in 75 games. Following this season, he was named the 2012 winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. It’s the NHL award given out annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made humanitarian contributions to the community.
"I'm excited to get ready for another season," said Alfredsson. "I've been training for about a month and a half and my body feels a lot further ahead of where it was last year at this point. I expect to come into camp stronger and fitter than I did last year."
Fans feared the captain wouldn’t return after making no promises at the end of last season and saying he would have to discuss the decision with his wife.
"I spoke to my family (about the decision to return) and we are all on the same page - if I am motivated to continue to play, then they will be supportive of me playing. It really came down to asking if I had the motivation to come back and be happy about the decision to return. I definitely feel that way and know that I am ready and have more in the tank to give."
Alfredsson is the NHL’s longest serving active captain.
It will be the 17th campaign for the 39-year-old Swede, who has spent his entire career in Ottawa.
