Daniel Alfredsson thanks Senators fans in retirement ceremony
Former captain says this isn't goodbye
Daniel Alfredsson was in the spotlight at Canadian Tire Centre prior to the Ottawa Senators hosting the New York Islanders on Thursday.
The former Senators captain, who spent 17 seasons in the nation's capital and last suited up for Ottawa in 2013, announced his retirement earlier in the day after signing a one-day contract. The 41-year-old then took to the ice for a ceremonial pre-game skate.
Warm-up Pic: Taking the ice… one last time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alfie?src=hash">#Alfie</a> <a href="http://t.co/f4S8b3s5qJ">pic.twitter.com/f4S8b3s5qJ</a>
—@SenatorsWarm-up: Thanks for everything, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alfie?src=hash">#Alfie</a>! <a href="http://t.co/u8ExVV8Op1">pic.twitter.com/u8ExVV8Op1</a>
—@SenatorsIn a classy move, current Senators captain Erik Karlsson skated alongside his former teammate in the warm-up and showed his gratitude by allowing Alfredsson to wear the "C" on his jersey.
The franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,178), points (1,108), goals (426) and assists (682) circled the ice to thunderous applause, cheers, and the chanting of his nickname "Alfie."
A teary-eyed Alfredsson was then joined by his family on the ice as he briefly addressed and thanked the fans in Ottawa.
Hinting at a possible return to the Senators down the road in some capacity, the native of Sweden made a point of not saying goodbye to the fans, preferring to say that he would see them soon.
Alfredsson then capped off the festivities with a ceremonial puck-drop.
Not <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alfie?src=hash">#Alfie</a>'s last puck drop, I'm sure. <a href="http://t.co/h4nPN5NF6M">pic.twitter.com/h4nPN5NF6M</a>
—@amkfoote