By Ian Mendes, SPORTSNET.CA

OTTAWA -- Daniel Alfredsson believes that Ray Emery could once again be a good goaltender in the National Hockey League -- just not with the Ottawa Senators.

Speaking after learning the club had placed the goaltender on waivers Friday for the purpose of buying him out, Alfredsson said Emery could return to the form that backstopped his team to the Stanley Cup final 12 months ago -- if the netminder is willing to improve his work ethic.

"There's a lot of negativity on him here in the city," the Senators captain said. "I believe if he wants to commit himself to this game and work out hard, he can be a really good goalie. But I just don't think it could happen here."

The temperamental netminder had several incidents off the ice that generated negative publicity, but it was his lack of effort in practice that irked teammates. He was late for practices on multiple occasions during the 2007-08 season and had friction with head coach John Paddock, who ultimately lost his job.

"Here we're trying to be a top team in the league and you’re asking your goalie to be better in practice," Alfredsson explained. "It will be good for him to get a fresh start."

General manager Bryan Murray did not offer comment on the Emery situation on Friday afternoon but was expected to address the media Friday evening after the club makes its first-round selection at the NHL entry draft.