Alfredsson was selected by the Senators in the sixth round (133rd overall) of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft after playing for Molndal and Frolunda in his home country.
He made his NHL debut in 1995-96 and had 61 points (25 goals, 35 assists) in 82 games and was voted Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year. He played 17 of his 18 NHL seasons with the Senators; his last season was with the Red Wings in 2013-2014, when he had 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists) in 68 games. His 1,157 NHL points (444 goals, 713 assists) rank him second all-time among Swedish players behind Mats Sundin (1,349).
Defender Erik Brannstromnative of Eksjo, Sweden, said having Alfredsson on the ice was a pleasure.
“He’s been great. He knows hockey better than anyone,” Brannstrom said. “It’s been great skating with him. He gives us little things to think about in the game and he sees the game really well. It was great to have him there.
“I mean, he’s a legend in Ottawa and in Sweden here too, so it’s really fun to have him around.”
Although he hasn’t played in the NHL in 10 years, Alfredsson looked in top form Monday, showing off a powerful wrist shot during a shooting drill against the goalie. Joonas Korpisalo.
“It was early (in the season), we lost a few players, we had salary cap issues and ‘Alfie’ had to fill in on a few drills there,” Smith said. “He looked pretty good.”
Smith said what motivates Alfredsson is his competitive nature, which extends beyond the rink.
“I had heard how competitive he was, whether it was ping pong or whatever. The other day I saw it with my own eyes,” Smith said. “Matthew Joseph and he was playing ping pong after morning practice and I see Alfie go to the back, take out his own case, a leather case, and take out the ping pong racket. Different angles, whatever, and I knew this guy was serious when you had your own case. And he slapped ‘Joe’.”
Before Claude Girouxwho played against Alfredsson in the NHL, said his teammates appreciate what the Hall of Fame means to them.
“Playing against him wasn’t much fun, he was a very smart player,” Giroux said. “I mean, you see him in practice. I still think he should play. He just thinks about the game differently. You know, having him on the team, I think that’s something that we let’s not take it lightly.”
Smith said Alfredsson’s presence could be a big spark for the Senators during their time in Sweden.
“For him to come home and be a part of this, it will mean something to him,” Smith said. “And I know the guys will want to play for him, too.”
