STOCKHOLM – Daniel Alfredsson will be back on the Ottawa Senators bench Thursday. Behind it, actually.
The Hockey Hall of Famer and all-time leading scorer for the Senators will be part of D.J. Smith's coaching staff for their two games here in the 2023 NHL Global Series Sweden presented by Fastenal.
The Senators play the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday at Avicii Arena (2 p.m. ET; RDS, TSN5, NHLN, BSDET), and play the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday.
"I talked to the coaching staff, they asked if I would like to join them," Alfredsson said Thursday. "I guess I've done a decent enough job that they trust me.
"I'm really looking forward to it, being part of the action and see it up close."
Alfredsson was a senior advisor of hockey operations for the Senators from 2015-17. He rejoined the organization Oct. 14, in a role that includes player development and coaching.
The native of Gothenburg, Sweden, had 1,108 points (426 goals, 682 assists) in 1,178 games during 17 seasons for Ottawa. He played his final NHL season, 2013-14, with the Red Wings, and had 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists) in 68 games.
The 50-year-old, who was enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame last year, was on the ice with the Senators during their practice here Monday but said being behind the bench during a game will be different, especially with Ottawa (6-7-0) and Detroit (8-5-2) each battling for position in the Atlantic Division.
"These are big games for both teams, every point matters," Alfredsson said. "We know it's going to be a tight race for most of the season.
"I'll be nervous, but it's going to be really fun and I'm definitely looking forward to it."
As for his advice for his fellow Swedes on the Senators?
"Enjoy it. Everybody has their routines on game day, stick to those," he said. "There's no question, you're not going to change anything up. I think it's just go out there, give it everything you have and make sure you have time to enjoy. Enjoy the game."
