NHL: Huge news - club legend jumps to the arch-rival's camp!

The Toronto Maple Leafs announce their updated coaching staff. The team has appointed Daniel Alfredsson as their assistant coach.

Alfredsson, 53, has served as an assistant coach for the Ottawa Senators for the past three seasons. He has also previously held the role of senior advisor with the team.

Alfredsson is a true Senators legend. During his playing career, he represented the team for an impressive 17 seasons, making his move to Toronto surprising. Besides Ottawa, Alfredsson has only played for the Detroit Red Wings for one season, which was his final season as a player.

Immediately following Toronto’s announcement, Ottawa reacted to Alfredsson’s move. The team’s owner Michael Andlauer speaks of Alfredsson in a respectful tone, although he admits that Alfredsson’s transfer to a rival team stings.

– One of our first actions in the organization was to bring Daniel Alfredsson back as an assistant coach in December 2023. I quickly realized that “Alfie” embodies all the qualities that the Ottawa Senators represent. While I wish he wouldn’t join the ranks of our arch-rivals, Alfie is forever a legend of the Ottawa Senators, and the door is always open for his return. He has done so much for our organization and our community, and he has my utmost respect, Andlauer says in Ottawa’s statement.

Toronto also announced that head coach Jim Hiller has appointed John Gruden and Brad Werenka as assistant coaches. Last season’s assistant coaches Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde will not continue with the team next season.