Adedokun Waliyu 
Daniel Alfredsson is joining the Maple Leafs. The Hall of Famer, who spent the last three seasons as an Ottawa assistant coach, was named to Toronto’s coaching staff on Tuesday.
Drafted 133rd overall in 1994 by the Ottawa Senators, Alfredsson quickly became one of the league’s biggest draft steals. He won the Calder Trophy in 1995–96 and spent 18 NHL seasons, including 17 with Ottawa, before finishing his career with Detroit in 2013–14. Alfredsson finished his illustrious career with 1,157 points in 1,246 games, and 100 points in 124 playoff games.
He served as an assistant coach for Sweden’s national team, including at the 2020 Nations Face-Off, and has taken on advisory and developmental roles in Ottawa. He most recently served as an assistant coach on Travis Green’s staff, helping guide the Senators to a 44-27-11 record and postseason appearance.
Also joining Jim Hiller’s staff in Toronto are John Gruden, who coached the Marlies to a Calder Cup this season, and Brad Werenka. Assistants Derek Lalonde and Mike Van Ryn won’t be returning, per the team.
“I’m incredibly excited to add Daniel, John and Brad to our coaching staff,” said Hiller via a press release.
“Daniel’s experience, leadership and understanding of the game speak for themselves. John has established himself as one of the top coaches in the American Hockey League and played an instrumental role in leading the Marlies to a Calder Cup championship last season. Brad brings a unique combination of NHL experience, player development and expertise in performance analytics. Together, they’ll be outstanding additions to our team.”
The rivalry between the Senators and Maple Leafs reached its peak in the early 2000s — and Alfredsson was at the centre of it.
The turning point came in Game 5 of the 2002 playoff series, when Alfredsson delivered a controversial hit on Darcy Tucker before scoring the game‑winning goal seconds later.
From that point on, Alfredsson became a villain at Scotiabank Arena (then Air Canada Centre), booed every time he touched the puck. The rivalry produced iconic moments, including Alfredsson’s fake stick toss mocking Sundin after Sundin had thrown his stick into the crowd in frustration.
Now the two iconic Swedes will work together in Toronto: Sundin in the front office and Alfredsson behind the bench alongside Hiller.
