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Alfredsson won’t play in Swedish league again, doesn’t see himself coaching anytime soon

Ottawa Senators v Philadelphia Flyers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 31: Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators looks on during a faceoff against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on March 31, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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Folks hoping Daniel Alfredsson will play one more year in Ottawa got some good news on Wednesday.

In speaking with the Ottawa Citizen, Alfredsson said he has no intentions of returning to play in his native Sweden or entering the coaching ranks anytime soon (he’d entertained the coaching idea yesterday.)

“I don’t see myself coaching too soon,” he explained. “I think it takes even more time at the rink that it does as a player to prepare. Right now, I don’t think I’m ready for that.”

Alfie then went on to deep-six the idea of playing at home, saying “I won’t play in the Swedish league again.”

There was a notion Alfie would go the route of Borje Salming, Markus Naslund and Tomas Sandstrom by finishing his career where it began -- in the Swedish Elite League. Alfredsson is a product of Vastra Frolunda HC (he also played there during the 2004-05 lockout,) a team that features a wide range of ex-NHLers: PJ Axelsson, Joel Lundqvist, Christian Backman and Fredrik Sjostrom.

Just one problem. There’s no motivation for him to play there.

“You know, if you go back to the Swedish league and try to play when you’re not motivated, it’s even worse, because it’s more skating and it’s even harder,” Alfredsson explained.

“So I will retire as an Ottawa Senator.”

Which leaves the big question -- will he retire an Ottawa Senator now...or later?