Why Daniel Alfredsson is now dedicated to coaching – in every NHL city

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Media explores the sensitive side of Senator Daniel Alfredsson as he made a rare appearance Saturday morning.

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The Maple Leafs’ associate coach’s first game against his old team, which flies its banner on its court as a defiant symbol of Bytown and the Battle of Ontario, was a big deal indeed. But discussing what motivated him to leave Ottawa became a revealing look at just how locked in ‘Alfie’ is to his new profession – and how his new employers can take advantage.

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“If I wanted to be a coach, you have to experience different situations, different scenarios and different systems,” Alfredsson said. “That’s how it went in my head, ‘How can I evolve and get better if this is the path I’m going down?’

“You try to help every player, it can be on the ice, it can be off it, the technical part, the tactical part. I’ve always been curious about it, trying to learn who is the best, who is the best? I think I have a lot of stored information that I can pass on to the next generation.”

How did Mats Sundin sell Alfredsson to Toronto?

That’s what new Leafs executive Mats Sundin was pushing when the Leafs first heard he might be leaving the Ottawa bench after three seasons. While Sundin played Toronto in those old rivalry games, four of the five playoff series won by the Leafs, he saw in his Swedish compatriot traits that could improve the culture on Bay Street, not just the forwards and power players who became his main responsibility.

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“I wasn’t quite sure for many reasons, but (Sundin’s) passion and conviction sold me. We had a relationship in the past, we played together (for Sweden) and here we are.

“When you see players, you can help, see that they can evolve and get better over time, that’s the most rewarding thing. It’s almost like you compare it to your kids when you see them grow up. When they become men, it’s ‘Jesus, I’m proud of him.’

What is his relationship with Jim Hiller?

Alfredsson did not forget to thank his former head coaches, Travis Green and Jacques Martin, for bringing interest in coaching. And as new boss Jim Hiller pointed out, Alfredsson was financially sound and didn’t need the aggravation and long hours to learn the ropes.

“That was a personal choice and that showed a lot of commitment on my part,” Hiller said of the hiring. “Alfie wasn’t a sure fire, high draft pick player with a Hall of Fame career. He kind of came from the bottom. (That provided) a tremendous work ethic, drive and understanding of the game, to climb the ladder. That applies to any player, whether you’re fourth line or a star.

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What is his relationship with Darcy Tucker these days?

The Leafs and most teams usually don’t make anyone but the head coach available to reporters. But Alfredsson’s once-unthinkable address change created pre-game hype impossible to ignore.

Yes, he was talking to Darcy Tucker, who slammed him into the boards from behind in the 2002 playoffs right before Alfredsson’s game-winning goal. That led to boos every time Alfredsson touched the puck in Toronto and from Leaf fans traveling to Ottawa until his retirement.

“We kissed and made out,” laughs Alfredsson. “I ran into Darcy and some (ex-Leafs) at the Alumni Gold Tournament.”

Alfredsson talked to some Ottawa players watching the Leafs skate Saturday morning, but since he just bought a new Toronto home and his family arrived this week, there was no time for a Friday night dinner. He was hoping to catch up with some other friends before and after the game.

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The Sens have tried to move on from his controversial road crossing, but seeing his red mane on the ice and behind the bench is still getting used to both sides.

“I thought I was more incognito in this town, but they still remember my face,” Alfredsson shouted. “It’s a big city, and I love it, the energy of it, the passion of the people for the game. It’s been a hectic first month here, but I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

But Alfredsson and Hiller would like to see the power play start clicking soon, just one goal before Saturday night on seven chances, the only one from the second unit.

“We try to collaborate in everything we do, we watch our meetings,” Hiller said. “Everyone has input, but it’s mainly Daniel’s responsibility.”

Lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby

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