Daniel Alfredsson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Daniel Alfredsson MSC
Hockey Hall of Fame, 2022
Alfredsson with the Ottawa Senators in May 2013
Born	(1972-12-11) 11 December 1972 (age 52) Gothenburg, Sweden
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Frölunda HC Ottawa Senators Detroit Red Wings
National team	Sweden
NHL Draft	133rd overall, 1994 Ottawa Senators
Playing career	1992–2014

Daniel Alfredsson (born December 11, 1972), often called "Alfie", is a Swedish-Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He also worked as an assistant coach for the Ottawa Senators. Alfredsson played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Most of his career was with the Senators. He also played a short time for the Detroit Red Wings before he retired in 2014.

Alfredsson was the captain of the Senators from 1999 to 2013. He usually played on the first line, which was sometimes called the "CASH" or "Pizza" line. He played with center Jason Spezza and left winger Dany Heatley. Alfredsson is known as one of the best two-way players in the league. He holds the Senators' team records for goals (426), assists (682), and points (1,108). He played 1,178 games for the team.

Alfredsson played for Sweden 14 times in international games. This includes winning a gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics. He also won a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics. He was the 75th player to reach 1,000 career points in the NHL. He achieved this by scoring three goals against the Buffalo Sabres on October 22, 2010.

Alfredsson has an Honorary Degree from Carleton University. He was added to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022. He was also inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2018.

Playing in the NHL

Starting with the Ottawa Senators (1994–2013)

Daniel Alfredsson was picked by the Ottawa Senators in the 1994 NHL draft. He was the 133rd player chosen in the sixth round. Many NHL scouts did not notice him, but John Ferguson from Ottawa saw his talent. Alfredsson won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the best rookie player in his first NHL season (1995–96). He also played in the NHL All-Star Game that year.

In the 1996–97 season, he played even better. He was chosen for the All-Star Game again. He helped the Senators reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in their modern history.

Alfredsson missed the start of the 1997–98 season because of a contract disagreement. He eventually signed a new contract on October 12. When he returned to Ottawa, fans gave him a standing ovation. He was named to the All-Star Game for the third time. The Senators made the playoffs again. Alfredsson scored 7 goals in 11 playoff games.

In the 1998–99 season, Alfredsson missed 24 games due to an injury. He scored 11 goals that season. The team made the playoffs but lost quickly. The next season, he became the captain of the Senators. His scoring improved, with 21 goals and 59 points in 57 games. In the 2000 playoffs, the Senators played against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Alfredsson scored three goals in that series.

In the 2000–01 season, Alfredsson remained captain. He scored 24 goals and 70 points. The Senators played the Maple Leafs again in the playoffs and lost. In the 2001–02 season, Alfredsson had his best year yet with 37 goals and 71 points. In the 2002 playoffs, the Senators faced the Maple Leafs again. Alfredsson led the team in playoff scoring with 7 goals and 13 points.

Alfredsson signed a new contract before the 2002–03 season. He scored 27 goals and 78 points. The team won the Presidents' Trophy as the best regular season team in the NHL. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals but lost to the New Jersey Devils. Alfredsson scored 4 goals and 8 points in 18 playoff games.

In the 2003–04 season, Alfredsson finished with 32 goals and 80 points. The team lost in the first round of the playoffs to Toronto. Alfredsson signed a new five-year contract with the Senators during this season.

Playing During the NHL Lockout

Like many NHL players, Alfredsson played for a European team during the 2004–05 NHL lockout. He went back to Sweden to play for Frölunda HC. This was the team he played for before joining the NHL. He helped the team win the Swedish championship. Alfredsson was a big help in the playoffs, scoring 12 goals and 18 points in 13 games.

Return to the NHL and Big Moments

On October 5, 2005, the first night of the 2005–06 NHL season, the Senators played the Maple Leafs. Alfredsson scored a tying goal with five minutes left in the game. This led to the creation of the "CASH line" with Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza. Later in the same game, Alfredsson and Heatley scored the first goals in an NHL shootout. Alfredsson became the first captain in NHL history to score in a shootout. His stick was sent to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Daniel Alfredsson carries the puck during a warm-up in October 2006

Alfredsson had a career-high 103 points (43 goals and 60 assists) in the 2005–06 season. He tied with Heatley for the most points on the Senators. On November 3, 2005, he scored four goals and six points against the Buffalo Sabres. After the 2006 playoffs, there were rumors that Alfredsson might be traded.

Alfredsson thought about retiring in November 2006 because he was not playing well. But after he started using teammate Chris Kelly's used skates, his performance got better. He scored in the next four games. He finished the season with 29 goals and 58 assists.

On December 23, 2006, Alfredsson scored his 600th career point against the Philadelphia Flyers. In the 2007 playoffs, Alfredsson was the Senators' top scorer with 14 goals and 22 points. His strong play helped the Senators reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time. He was the first European-born captain to lead his team to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Senators lost the Finals to the Anaheim Ducks.

The 2007–08 season had ups and downs for Alfredsson. On January 24, 2008, he scored three goals and four assists against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This set a Senators' record for most points in one game (7 points). He was named NHL Player of the Week. Injuries affected Alfredsson later in the season. He missed the last regular season game and the start of the 2008 playoffs. He returned early in game three of the playoffs. Fans gave him a long standing ovation. However, the Senators lost the series. Alfredsson later said he played with a serious knee injury.

In October 2008, Alfredsson had knee surgery. He returned to play less than a week later. On October 30, 2008, Alfredsson signed a new four-year contract with Ottawa. This contract was meant for him to finish his career with the Senators.

The 2008–09 season was tough for Alfredsson and the Senators. The team did not make the playoffs. Alfredsson scored 24 goals and 74 points. On July 8, 2009, Alfredsson became the longest-serving active captain in the NHL.

In the 2009–10 season, Alfredsson scored 20 goals and 71 points. On April 6, he played his 1,000th regular season NHL game. The Senators lost in the first round of the playoffs. Alfredsson led the team in scoring with two goals and six assists. He later said he had been playing with a sports hernia.

During the 2010–11 season, Alfredsson reached his 1,000th career NHL point. This happened in a win against the Buffalo Sabres on October 22, 2010.

Alfredsson in November 2013 with the Detroit Red Wings

After the season, Alfredsson had back surgery. He said the surgery went well and he was feeling fine.

Alfredsson started the 2011–12 season healthy. But he got his first concussion after a hit on October 29, 2011. He returned on November 11 after missing five games. On December 30, 2011, Alfredsson scored his 400th career goal in overtime against the Calgary Flames. He was chosen to represent the Senators at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa. Alfredsson was captain of "Team Alfredsson" and scored twice. There was talk that Alfredsson might leave Ottawa, but he was happy to stay. In the 2012 playoffs, the Senators lost to the New York Rangers. On July 31, Alfredsson confirmed he would play his 17th season with the Senators.

The 2012–13 season was shorter due to a lockout. It was a good season for Alfredsson and the Senators. The team made the playoffs and beat the Montreal Canadiens. Alfredsson was third in team scoring during the regular season. He led the Senators in scoring during the playoffs. There was more talk about Alfredsson retiring. On June 28, 2013, the Senators' general manager said Alfredsson was committed to playing for the Senators next year. While Alfredsson was discussing a new contract with Ottawa, the Boston Bruins also showed interest in him.

Daniel Alfredsson's Jersey Retirement Banner

Playing for the Detroit Red Wings (2013–2014)

On July 5, 2013, after 17 seasons with the Senators, Alfredsson signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. His former teammates were surprised. Alfredsson explained that he wanted to win a Stanley Cup before retiring. He said his decision to leave Ottawa was due to a contract problem. Alfredsson returned to Ottawa for the first time with the Red Wings on December 1, 2013. He received a video tribute and loud cheers from the home crowd. He also scored an empty net goal in the Red Wings' win.

Alfredsson, at 41 years old, scored 18 goals and 49 points in his only season with the Red Wings (2013–14). Back problems kept him from starting the 2014–15 season. On November 27, 2014, Alfredsson announced that he had retired as a player.

Retirement from Playing

On December 4, 2014, Alfredsson signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Ottawa Senators. He took part in the pre-game warm-ups and the ceremonial face-off.

During his career with the Senators, Alfredsson played 1,178 games. He had 426 goals, 682 assists, and 1,108 points. All of these were team records at the time. On December 29, 2016, Alfredsson became the first player from the modern Senators team to have his jersey number retired.

International Hockey Career

Medal record
Representing  Sweden
Men's ice hockey
Winter Olympics
Gold	2006 Turin
Silver	2014 Sochi
World Championships
Silver	1995 Stockholm
Silver	2004 Prague/Ostrava
Bronze	1999 Oslo/Hamar
Bronze	2001 Cologne/Hanover

Alfredsson played in 14 international tournaments for Sweden:

• 1995 World Championships (silver medal)
• 1996 World Cup of Hockey
• 1998 Winter Olympics
• 1999 World Championships (bronze medal)
• 2001 World Championships (bronze medal)
• 2002 Winter Olympics
• 2004 World Championships (silver medal)
• 2004 World Cup of Hockey
• 2005 World Championships
• 2006 Winter Olympics (alternate captain, gold medal)
• 2010 Winter Olympics (alternate captain)
• 2012 World Championships (captain)
• 2014 Winter Olympics (alternate captain, silver medal)

At the 2006 Olympics, Alfredsson had his best personal performance. He scored 5 goals, 5 assists, and 10 points. He was named captain of Sweden for the first time at the 2012 IIHF World Championship.

After Playing Hockey

Working in Hockey Operations

After retiring as a player, Alfredsson joined the Ottawa Senators as a senior advisor for hockey operations. He and the Senators did not agree on a new contract in July 2017.

Coaching Career

Coaching for the Ottawa Senators (2023–present)

On October 13, 2023, it was announced that Alfredsson had rejoined the Ottawa Senators. He took on a role coaching player development. On December 18, 2023, the Ottawa Senators changed their head coach. They announced that Jacques Martin would be the new head coach, and Alfredsson would be an assistant coach. Alfredsson made his coaching debut on December 19. He has remained part of the coaching staff.

Personal Life

Alfredsson married Birgitta Backman on July 31, 2004. They have four sons. The family lives in Ottawa, Canada, and Särö, Sweden.

Alfredsson's younger brother, Henric Alfredsson, also played hockey. He played for the Ontario Hockey League's Ottawa 67's. Henric later worked for the Ottawa Police Service.

On March 5, 2015, Alfredsson received the key to the city of Ottawa. This is the city's highest honor. It was given to him for his achievements with the Senators. It also recognized his work helping the community. He supported mental health awareness and equality for athletes.

Alfredsson became a Canadian citizen on September 20, 2016.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

Bold indicates led league

International Play Statistics

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1995	Sweden	WC			8	3	1	4	4
1996	Sweden	WCH			4	0	0	0	2
1996	Sweden	WC	6th		6	1	2	3	4
1998	Sweden	Oly	5th		4	2	3	5	2
1999	Sweden	WC			10	4	5	9	8
2001	Sweden	WC			9	3	5	8	8
2002	Sweden	Oly	5th		4	1	4	5	2
2004	Sweden	WCH	5th		4	0	6	6	2
2004	Sweden	WC			8	4	2	6	8
2005	Sweden	WC	4th		9	3	6	9	6
2006	Sweden	Oly			8	5	5	10	2
2010	Sweden	Oly	5th		4	3	0	3	0
2012	Sweden	WC	6th		8	1	6	7	2
2014	Sweden	Oly			6	2	2	4	2
Senior totals					88	32	42	74	50

Awards and Honors

International Awards

NHL Awards

Other Honors

On June 7, 2016, Alfredsson received an honorary degree from Carleton University. This was for his great contributions to Canadian hockey. It also recognized his work in the community. He helped with mental health awareness and supported equality for athletes. On November 25, 2016, he was given the Meritorious Service Cross.

Records and Achievements

Records Held

• Holds the Senators' records for regular season goals, assists, and points.
• Holds the Senators' record for the highest +/- rating in a season (+42 in 2006–07).
• Holds the Senators' record for most points in a regular season game (7 points in 2007–08).
• Holds the Senators' playoff records for most games played, goals, assists, and points.

Important Milestones

• Scored his 300th career goal on November 10, 2007.
• Recorded his 500th career assist on January 24, 2008.
• Played in his 1,000th NHL game on April 6, 2010.
• Reached 1,000 career points with a hat-trick on October 22, 2010.
• Scored his 400th career goal in overtime on December 30, 2011.

Other Achievements

• Scored the first shootout goal in NHL history during the 2005–06 season.
• Led the Swedish Olympic hockey team in scoring at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• April 10, 2010, was named "Daniel Alfredsson Day" in Ottawa.
• Was the first European-born captain to lead his team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007.
• Improved his point totals for six seasons in a row (1998–99 to 2005–06).
• Appeared on the cover of the Swedish version of the NHL 09 video game.
• Won the first major award in modern Senators history (Calder Memorial Trophy in 1995–96).
• Played in 119 playoff games for the modern Senators.
• Led the league in goals during the 2006–07 playoffs.
• Became the first player in modern Senators history to have his jersey number retired in December 2016.
• Was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022.

See also

In Spanish: Daniel Alfredsson para niños

• List of Swedes in sports
• List of NHL players with 1,000 games played
• List of NHL players with 1,000 points