Ending months of speculation on whether he would return for a final season with the Detroit Red Wings, 18-year NHL veteran and longtime Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson has opted to retire, with a nagging back injury ending his career at the age of 41, resigning with Ottawa for the day to retire as a Senator.

Alfredsson still retires with quite an impressive career sheet in light of the news, winning the Calder and Clancy Trophies, and being a six-time All-Star through the course of his career. Alfredsson, who also captured a Swedish Championship with his hometown Frölunda HC in 2005, also leaves behind a long career as a central part of the Tre Kronor roster. Alfredsson suited up for Sweden at five Olympic Games, seven World Championships and both World Cups of Hockey, winning Olympic Gold at the 2006 Turin Games, along with a silver from the Sochi Olympics, as well as two silvers and three bronzes for his World Championship and World Cup efforts.

Alfredsson first won the International Hockey Lineal Championship on the roster of the 1995 World Championship team, holding the title on seven more occasions throughout his career, including at three straight Olympics from 2002-10, the latter being Alfredsson’s last time on an IHLC-winning squad. We wish Daniel and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: Ottawa Senators – IIHF – HHOF – IOC