It sounds like we could be mere days away from a Daniel Alfredsson decision.
“Sources say a decision on Daniel Alfredsson’s future will likely come before December,” TVA Sports reporter Louis Jean tweeted Thursday morning. “If Alfredsson doesn’t skate with the Wings in the next week or so, he’ll likely retire.”
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Alfredsson is an unrestricted free agent who is only interested in re-signing with the Red Wings. He will turn 42 on Dec. 11. The veteran, who led Detroit in scoring last year, was skating with the club in September, but his training was derailed by back problems.
The Wings have left the door open for Alfredsson to return. The Swede still wants to win a Stanley Cup, but it’s been several weeks since he has laced up his skates.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported last month that Alfredsson would need to skate pain-free for two weeks straight in order to feel comfortable with a return.
“I haven’t talked to him since the season started,” general manager Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press last week.
In 18 NHL seasons, Alfredsson has played 1,246 games, registering 444 goals and 1,157 points. He won Olympic gold with Sweden in 2006 and silver in 2014. In 2013, his final season with the Ottawa Senators, Alfredsson earned the Mark Messier Leadership Award.
The Red Wings (7-3-5) currently sit in fifth place in the Atlantic Division and are trying to extend their 23-year playoff streak. Their 19th-ranked offence could use a boost, if Alfredsson’s back is up to the task.
