Alfredsson hired as Senators senior adviser

Longtime Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson will join their front office as senior adviser of hockey operations, owner Eugene Melnyk said Thursday.

"I am excited for our fans and our team that Daniel has agreed to begin the second part of his storied hockey career right where he belongs -- with the Senators," Melnyk said in a statement. "Daniel has been an exceptional part of our team's history. He was a tremendous leader on the ice and equally in our community. I very much want him to continue to be part of our hockey club and our city.

"Bringing the Stanley Cup to Ottawa has always been my focus, now more than ever. I believe Daniel's experience and track record as one of the elite players in our league will bring us closer to that goal."

Alfredsson, 42, will spend the season in the Senators hockey department, serving as an adviser to general manager Bryan Murray and working in areas such as scouting and player development. He will begin his new job immediately.

"I want to thank Eugene and Bryan for giving me this tremendous opportunity," Alfredsson said. "Retiring from the game but having this chance to remain part of the hockey world, especially in Ottawa, is very special. The Senators have an outstanding hockey operations department and coaching staff. They have built a fast, highly skilled team along with a solid roster of young prospects.

"I believe my experience as a player can help provide a boost to this group and allow us to keep the momentum from last year's exciting season."

The native of Gothenburg, Sweden, served as captain of the Senators for 13 seasons, from 1999-2000 through 2012-13. He is the Senators' all-time leader in goals (426), assists (682), points (1,108), power-play goals (131), shorthanded goals (25), game-winning goals (69), shots (3,320) and hat tricks (eight). Alfredsson is also the Senators leader in Stanley Cup Playoff games (121), goals (51), assists (49) and points (100).

He signed with the Detroit Red Wings on July 5, 2013, and had 18 goals and 49 points in 68 games in 2013-14. Back problems prevented Alfredsson from attending training camp prior to the 2014-15 season, and he signed a one-day contract on Dec. 4, 2014, to officially retire as a member of the Senators.

Alfredsson was the first member of the Senators to capture a major NHL award, winning the Calder Trophy in 1995-96. He also won the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2012-13.