Daniel Alfredsson calls joining Leafs ‘an exciting day’
One of the surprising new additions to the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff is elated at his new opportunity.
When speaking to the media on Wednesday, new Maple Leafs associate coach Daniel Alfredsson, addressing Ottawa Senators fans, noted that his move is positive on his end.
Maple Leafs associate coach Daniel Alfredsson thanks Senators owner Michael Andlauer. Alfredsson then sends a message to the Senators fans. "I know this is an interesting day, but it's an exciting day for me as I expand my coaching career."
“I know this is an interesting day,” Alfredsson said. “But it’s an exciting day for me as I expand my coaching career.”
On Tuesday, the Leafs announced Alfredsson as one of the team’s three new additions to the bench for next season, with Brad Werenka and former Toronto Marlies head coach, John Gruden, having been hired as assistant coaches under new head coach Jim Hiller.
Alfredsson revealed he had spoken to both Toronto general manager John Chayka and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin about the head coaching position, which became available after the team fired Craig Berube earlier in the offseason. He also impressed Hiller during the interview process, and was also asked if he wanted to work for another team.
The former NHL sniper’s move to the Leafs ends Alfredsson’s long tenure with the team in the nation’s capital. He played 16 seasons with the Sens during his playing career, and has been part of the team’s hockey operations on and off since 2015. He has been an assistant coach since December 2023, helping guide the team to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past two years.
Alfredsson noted that he had kept in touch with Sundin, a fellow Swede, and is excited to see his former NHL rival back in the league once again.
“We kept in touch. We don’t live near each other in Sweden. We haven’t talked a lot about the past, to be honest, but obviously, I think it’s great that Mats is involved again. I think he has so much to bring, leadership, experience.”
Alfredsson knew that, once his contract with the Sens ended in June, he wouldn’t be returning to the organization. He acknowledged the frustration Ottawa fans have felt in recent weeks. Not only because their beloved player has left for the rival, but also because the Senators just traded away captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, per Tkachuk’s request.
“I totally understand it,” Alfredsson said. “It’s different when you’re a coach. When I felt like this was the career I wanted to go down as a coach, I knew I had to find my way and get experience. Nobody stays as a coach in one spot, no matter how popular you are.”
Alfredsson was asked about his role on the coaching staff, mostly pertaining to his involvement with the power play, a weak spot for the Leafs in recent years. He stated that conversation was a big part of the interview process.
“Talking to Jim, he’s a power play coach as well…I think they had some really good times last year on the power play and some tough ones as well. Probably lost their confidence a little bit, but they have a lot of the tools to be a good power play and a good offensive team as well. A lot of skill, guys that can shoot the puck. I look forward to working with them and seeing what we can accomplish.”
It will be different seeing Alfredsson be part of the Leafs, having had many infamous moments during the history of the Battle of Ontario. Yet, there’s hope he can use his experience as a player to turn the Original Six franchise’s fortunes around.