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Why Daniel Alfredsson is now dedicated to coaching in whatever city he works

The Ottawa Senators' icon's move to Toronto shocked the hockey world, but made with the sole intention of fulfilling a new chapter

Published Oct 03, 2026  •  Last updated 8 hours ago  •  4 minute read

Maple Leafs associate coach Daniel Alfredsson at training camp. Photo by Ernest Doroszuk /Toronto Sun

Media were seeking the sensitive, Senators side of Daniel Alfredsson when he made a rare appearance Saturday morning.

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The Maple Leafs’ associate coach’s first game against his old team, which flies his banner at their rink as a defiant symbol of Bytown in the Battle of Ontario, was indeed a big deal. But discussing what motivated him to depart Ottawa became a revealing look into how locked in ‘Alfie’ is in his new profession – and how his new employers might benefit.

“If I wanted to be a coach, you have to experience different situations, different scenarios and different systems,” Alfredsson said. “That’s how it went in my head, ‘How can I evolve and get better if this is the road I’m going down?‘

“You’re trying to help all the players, it can be on the ice it can be off it, the technical part, the tactical. I’ve always been curious about that, trying to learn who’s the best at this, who’s the best at that? I think I have a lot of stored information I can convey to the next generation.”

That’s what new Leafs executive Mats Sundin pushed when the Leafs first heard he might depart Ottawa’s bench after three seasons. While Sundin repped Toronto in those old rivalry games, four of the five playoff series all won by the Leafs, he saw in his Swedish countryman traits that could improve culture on Bay Street, not just the forwards and power play that became his prime responsibilities.

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“I wasn’t very sure for a lot of reasons, but (Sundin’s) passion and belief kind of sold me. We had a relationship in the past, we’d played together (for Sweden) and here we are.

“When you see players you can help, see they can evolve and get better with time, that’s the most rewarding thing. It’s almost like comparing it to your kids when you see them grow up. When they become men, it’s ‘Jesus, I’m proud of him.’”

Alfredsson didn’t forget to thank his previous head coaches, Travis Green and Jacques Martin, for kindling interest in coaching. And as new boss Jim Hiller pointed out, Alfredsson was well off financially and didn’t need the aggravation and long hours of learning the ropes.

“That was a personal choice and that showed a lot of commitment to me,” Hiller said of the hiring. “Alfie wasn’t a sure fire, high draft pick player with a Hall of Fame career. He kind of came from underneath. (That provided) a tremendous work ethic, drive and understanding of the game, of climbing of the ladder. That relates to all players, whether you’re fourth line or a star.”

The Leafs and most teams don’t usually make anyone except the head coach available to reporters. But Alfredsson’s once unthinkable change of address created pre-game hype impossible to ignore.

Yes, he has spoken to Darcy Tucker, whom he hit from behind into the boards in the 2002 playoffs right before Alfredsson’s winning goal. That led to booing every time Alfredsson touched the puck in Toronto and from Leaf fans travelling to Ottawa until his retirement.

“We kissed and made up,” laughed Alfredsson. “I ran into Darcy and quite a few (ex-Leafs) at the alumni gold tournament.”

Alfredsson chatted with some Ottawa players watching the Leafs’ Saturday morning skate, but as he just took possession of a new Toronto home and his family arrived this week, there was no time for a Friday night dinner. He hoped to catch up with a couple of other friends before and after the game, won 3-2 by Ottawa.

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The Senators have tried to move on from his controversial crossing of the street, but seeing his red mane on the ice and behind the bench still takes getting used to for both sides.

“I thought I’d be more incognito in this city, but they still remember my face,” Alfredsson quipped. “It’s a big city, and I love it, the energy of it, through the passion of people for the game. It has been a hectic first month here, but I look forward to what’s ahead.”

Alfredsson and Hiller did see a power play goal by their top unit on Saturday, a textbook play, faceoff win by John Tavares back to Darren Raddysh who found Kirill Marchenko alone down low for a high backhand. But a couple of later chances looked ineffective and the tinkering will continue with the 2-for-11 special team.    

“We try and be collaborative in everything we do, we watch each other’s meetings,” Hiller said. “Everyone has input, but it’s primarily Daniel’s responsibility.”

Lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby

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