Senators great Daniel Alfredsson was honoured with the key to the city at a ceremony at Ottawa city hall on Thursday, Mar. 5, 2015.

Alfredsson was honoured for his 17 years of contributions both on and off the ice.  In his acceptance speech he referred to Ottawa as "one of the greatest cities in the world" and spoke about the encouraging words he received during a tough first season with the Senators back in the 90s. He shared an anecdote about his first coach, Rick Bowness, needing to explain what it meant to "dump the puck in".  Alfredsson was met with laughter from a sell-out crowd at city hall when he went on to say Bowness taught him a few other english phrases "forecheck, backcheck, and I learned pretty good once you got into the NHL -- paycheck."

Alfredsson's charitable contributions were acknowledged.  He was presented with an honourary jersey for his work with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.  And he spoke at length about his efforts with the Royal Ottawa's mental health awareness campaign.  "When I started to speak about mental health, nervously at first, I saw another side of this city...I learned how much our community is about helping one another."

With Mayor Jim Watson sidelined with a snowmobile injury, the key to the city was presented by councillor Bob Monette.  Watson tweeted shortly before the ceremony "Always a class act - really kind to receive a call from @dalfredsson11 a few minutes ago to ask how I was doing and thanks for key to the city". 

Alfredsson enjoyed huge popularity during his time here and has left the door open for a possible return to Ottawa.  The Senators organization has openly hinted  there could be room for him there in some capacity.  Watson has joked in the past, he's just greatful Alfredsson never chose to run against him.