At age 41, unrestricted free agent forward Daniel Alfredsson isn't ready to retire, but the Detroit Red Wings are uncertain whether or not they will be bringing the 17-year NHL veteran back.
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Alfredsson has been training with the intent to return to the NHL this season, but Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said he isn't sure if the team will bring the six-time NHL All-Star and one-time Olympic gold medalist back as the two haven't spoken recently.
"I haven't talked to him in about a month," Holland told the Detroit Free Press earlier this week. "He's training hard. He's training to play. He does want to play. When I last talked to him, he said he felt good; he wanted to feel great."
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Alfredsson, who moved to Detroit prior to last season after spending his entire career with the Ottawa Senators where he served as captain and owns a lot of franchise records, wants to be a contributor in Detroit again this season.
"He would love to play another year," Holland said. "He wants to play for us. He only wants to play if he feels he can contribute. The best test for him is to skate a couple weeks prior to training camp."
Holland told the publication he plans to speak with Alfredsson again next week as the Red Wings get close to the opening of training camp on Sept. 18.
"We'll wait 10-12 days," Holland said before describing his options. "Do we sign him to a contract? Does he just want to come to camp? I'm lobbing everything out there."
Detroit opens up its preseason on Sept. 22 against the Penguins in Pittsburgh and then embarks on its regulation slate Oct. 9 at home against the Boston Bruins.
There were rumors that Alfredsson may opt to retire after back problems crept up on him last season, but he has expressed his desire to keep playing in Detroit.
Despite his injuries, Alfredsson was productive in his first season in a Red Wings sweater, tying for the team lead with 49 points and ranking third on the team in goals (18) and assists (31). Detroit clinched a wild-card spot and finished with a 39-28-15 (93 points) record and made the playoffs for the 23rd straight year.
Alfredsson was limited to just three games in the postseason and failed to register a point as the Red Wings lost to the Boston Bruins in five games in the opening round.
Alfredsson will turn 42 in December and has played in 1,178 games in his career registering 426 goals and 682 assists for 1,108 points.
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