The Toronto Maple Leafs stunned many of their fans earlier this offseason when they announced that former Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, who had served the last several seasons with their divisional rival as an assistant coach, was transferring to their side of the Battle of Ontario.
Alfredsson was hired by general manager John Chayka to serve as an assistant on Jim Hiller's staff, along with John Gruden and Brad Werenka; Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde were not retained.
For Swedish-born forward William Nylander, who was coached by Alfredsson on Team Sweden during the Four Nations Face-Off last February, it marks the first time in his NHL career that he can talk in his native language to a member of the coaching staff.
“First time in the NHL speaking Swedish to a coach,” Nylander said via Leafs Latest on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It's great. He's great to talk to, I had him at the Four Nations (Face-Off), and I got to know him there. I like working with him.”
Article Continues BelowIt was a new experience for Alfredsson, who was one of the most bitter rivals of the Maple Leafs and their fans during his playing career, which included multiple clashes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In a prepared statement, he thanked the Senators while also looking ahead to his time in Toronto.
“I'd like to thank Michael (Andlauer) and Ottawa Senators organization for everything they've done for the team, the city and myself and my family, Steve (Staios) and the coaching staff as well for giving me a chance into coaching,” he said. “Now I've caught the coaching bug, which I'm very happy about. I've learned a ton from you guys and keep up the good work and what you started there. Also to the Ottawa fans, love you as always thank you I understand this is an interesting day but also an exciting chapter for me as I expand my coaching career and really looking forward join Jim (Hiller) and his coaching staff and be part of Toronto.”