Daniel Alfredsson Not To Return This Season, Likely To Retire
We may have seen the last of Daniel Alfredsson playing in the NHL.
The Swedish forward looks like he is calling it a career. After playing in 68 games last season with Detroit, Alfredsson has been trying to continue his career this season in what would be his 19th NHL season. However, Alfredsson has been dealing with an injured disc in his back for the past few years. He’s done his best to play through it, but it seems he’s reached his tipping point.
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Alfredsson, 42, has yet to skate regularly since October, according to the Detroit Free Press. While Alfredsson’s camp has not yet officially ruled out a return this season, it is seeming more and more likely that the Swedish star won’t be coming back.
While only playing 68 games last season for Detroit, Alfreddsson still led the team in scoring with 49 points. While it will hurt Detroit to not have Alfredsson back this season, even for the veteran’s experience alone, the Red Wings have filled the void nicely with young players such as Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist.
The Wings also have a young stud in the likes of Anthony Maantha down with their AHL affiliate Grand Rapids.
No word of Alfredsson’s official retirement has come yet, however it is being rumored that such an announcement may come as soon as Monday when his former club, the Ottawa Senators, come to town.
We will have to wait and see how this develops. If he does end up retiring, we all wish him the best of luck in retirement and hats off to a tremendous career Mr. Alfredsson.