Daniel Alfredsson talks about potential return to Red Wings
By Stefan Kubus (@SKubus) –
DETROIT – When it comes to matters within the Alfredsson household, the lady of the house holds court.
While the man of the house wisely had no shame admitting that, he said when it comes to continuing his NHL career, he has a tough choice of his own to make. Daniel Alfredsson signed a one-year contract with Detroit last summer for the 2013-14 campaign, a season that saw him play only 68 games due to injury. The question now is whether the 41-year-old feels he can make an impact for one more season.
“A lot of factors that play in, mentally, physically, family,” Alfredsson said. “I still love the game. It’s one of the best jobs you can have, there’s no question about that. At the same time, you’ve got to end it some time, I’m sure talking with my wife, we’ll come to a decision together and go from there.”
Alfredsson added that he will meet with Red Wings GM Ken Holland this week to initially discuss No. 11’s future.
A big factor that often influences such grizzled veterans – Nick Lidstrom was one – is whether the body and mind are ready to deal with the rigor of off-season training, something that Alfredsson said he knows is the ultimate key to success.
“When it comes to the point where you know you have to put in the work in the summer or you won’t have any fun in the winter, and if my work in the summer feels too much of a load with the time commitment and everything, then you know it’s time.”
And this won’t be the first time that Alfredsson has had to deal with this decision.
“That’s one of the things I’ve dealt with the last few years; do I have it in me to put that work in and not just do it because I want to do it, but it’s got to really feel like something you’re excited to do again. That’s a tough one.”
Perhaps one thing Red Wings faithful can hang their hopes on for an Alfredsson return lies in the team’s early playoff exit; Alfredsson signed in Detroit because he felt he had the best chance to win a Stanley Cup there.
“We’re not happy with this year, but at the same time with the circumstances, we did the best we could. We fell short to a deeper team than we were. Health was a big issue for us this year and going forward, being healthier will give this team a lot better chances, as well, especially come playoff time.”