Steven Lorentz, a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, expressed enthusiasm about the team's new-look coaching staff, which includes the surprising addition of former Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson as associate coach. 'It's definitely exciting,' Lorentz told TSN.ca on July 8, 2026. 'Watching him battle against Mats Sundin growing up when he was with the Sens, I wasn't a huge fan of him. But now he's on our side, and it's going to be great.'
Alfredsson hire stuns hockey world
The Maple Leafs announced Alfredsson's hiring earlier this week, a move that shocked many given the long-standing rivalry between Toronto and Ottawa. Alfredsson, a Hall of Famer, spent his entire 18-year NHL career with the Senators and was often booed in Toronto. TSN hockey analyst Craig Corrado commented: 'He is the face of your franchise, now he's the associate head coach of your most bitter rival.'
Lorentz also weighed in on 18-year-old prospect Michael McKenna, who was drafted by the Leafs this year. 'It's definitely going to be fun to watch this kid grow and develop,' Lorentz said. 'He has tremendous skill and a bright future.'
Other Leafs news: Giroux returns, playoff predictions
In related moves, veteran forward Claude Giroux signed a one-year deal to return to the Maple Leafs, as reported by Bruce Garrioch. The team also faces questions about playoff potential; a TSN poll asked fans whether the Leafs or the Toronto Raptors would have a longer playoff run next season.
Lorentz, acquired by the Leafs last season, is expected to play a key role in the team's bottom six. The revamped coaching staff, led by head coach Craig Berube and now including Alfredsson, aims to push Toronto deeper into the postseason after years of early exits.
