Ex-captain Alfredsson keen to stay on in Senators hockey operations job

OTTAWA - Daniel Alfredsson will stay in his job as senior adviser to hockey operations with the Ottawa Senators for another year, the NHL club announced Monday.

"I'm very happy to continue," Alfredsson said on a conference call after agreeing to a one-year extension. "It's been exciting personally to learn a new position and everything that comes with it in a lot of different areas in hockey operations.

"Hopefully I can help and contribute more this year with more experience."

The gifted forward who spend 17 seasons with the Senators, 14 of them as captain, moved into Ottawa's front office last season after retiring as a player, doing a variety of jobs. He said he will meet with new head coach Guy Boucher to see if he will be needed to continue to do some on-ice work with the players.

Alfredsson will also be moving his family back to Ottawa. He is looking for a house and hopes to make the move as soon as possible.

"I think with us moving back this summer, it's going to be a hectic year for everything — kids hockey, changing schools," he said. "I thought (staying in) the same position would fit perfect for another year.

"Talking with (general manager) Pierre (Dorion), he encourages that as well, so that's what we're doing."

Also, Alfredsson said he has yet to find a particular area of management that suits him best.

"This will be my first draft ever, which I'm really looking forward to," he said. "Then we have development camp right after that, and free agency. So there's a lot of stuff going on.

"I can't say I'm leaning to one role or another. I think it will grow naturally."

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk was pleased that Alfredsson opted to return.

"I look forward to the contributions Daniel will continue to make with our hockey club and in the community," Melnyk said in a statement.