Daniel Alfredsson has joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as associate coach, a move that came after he interviewed for the head coaching position vacated by Craig Berube. The former Ottawa Senators captain revealed Wednesday that he initially sought the top job but accepted the associate role when the Leafs hired Jim Hiller as head coach.
Alfredsson's Coaching Ambitions
Alfredsson, who spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Senators, said he caught the coaching bug and saw the Leafs' offer as a key step in his development. "I felt this could be a good step and great challenge, listening to different voices," Alfredsson said from Sweden via Zoom, his first media availability since the announcement. He credited Senators general manager Steve Staios for granting permission to interview with the Leafs, and noted that crossing the Battle of Ontario rivalry was secondary to his career growth.
Power Play Responsibilities
Alfredsson will share power-play duties with Hiller, leveraging his NHL experience—428 power-play points rank 48th in league history. The Leafs' power play struggled last season, finishing with a 24% success rate after assistant Marc Savard was fired in December. Ottawa ranked eighth in the league at the same percentage. Alfredsson emphasized the need to restore confidence and utilize skilled players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies, along with new addition Darren Raddysh's heavy shot. "There's a lot of skill, guys who can shoot the puck," he said. "I personally like to try to educate them so when you've worked together for a while, they know how to adjust themselves."
New Coaching Staff
Alfredsson joins a revamped Leafs bench that includes John Gruden, former head coach of the Calder Cup champion Marlies and an old Hiller friend, and Brad Werenka, a former NHL defenceman and Hiller's NCAA teammate. The team announced Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde would not return. The status of Steve Sullivan, promoted from the Marlies last year, remains unclear as the farm team needs a replacement for Gruden.
Role of Mats Sundin
Alfredsson acknowledged the influence of countryman Mats Sundin, now a senior advisor to Leafs president Keith Pelley, in his hiring. Sundin, the franchise's all-time scoring leader, helped facilitate Alfredsson's interview and associate coach offer. "I think it's great Mats is involved again," Alfredsson said. "He has so much to bring in leadership, experience and his enthusiasm was really obvious in the talks we've had."
Leaving Ottawa Behind
Alfredsson addressed the backlash from Senators fans, understanding their disappointment but stressing his career path. "I totally understand (the blow back), talking to friends. But it's different when you're a coach," he said. "In my dreams, would I have loved to stay and be the head coach in Ottawa? Maybe. But no one stays as a coach in one spot, no matter how popular you are. For me to get better, I knew I had to leave."
Respect for Darcy Tucker
Alfredsson smiled when asked about former antagonist Darcy Tucker, now a Leafs ambassador. The two made peace years ago after a controversial hit in the 2002 playoffs. "We respect each other. A lot of people do in the hockey world in general," Alfredsson said. "We all love to have competitive people on our teams and he was definitely one of them."
