The divorce between Daniel Alfredsson and the Ottawa Senators was not a clean one. The team's former caption opted to jump ship this offseason for the Detroit Red Wings. While little details emerged as to just how bad things were, Alfredsson is now speaking out on exactly what motivated the move.
In a press conference on Thursday, Alfredsson noted that money was the main reason he left for Detroit. While that certainly is not surprising, the lack of respect Alfredsson details is slightly surprising. Alfredsson's contract with the Senators was front loaded, earning the veteran $7 million in his first two seasons and $1 million in his final year, thus making it more friendly to the salary cap space. Alfredsson detailed a verbal agreement between the two parties that he would extend his contract for a lower rate, but negotiations went nowhere. He said in the press conference that it was understood he would only play three of the four years in his contract.
"In late June this year I decided I had it in me to play one more season. I told management I was prepared to return, and reminded them of our agreement from the year before," Alfredsson said. "To my disappointment, negotiations quickly stalled."
If the Senators had agreed to Alfredsson's terms, they would not have been able to afford any key free agent players. So the two parted ways and quickly after, the veteran signed a one-year deal with the Red Wings worth $5.5 million.
These comments about money did not sit too well with Senators general manager Bryan Murray. In an interview with the Ottawa Sun, Murray claims Alfredsson was clearly misinformed about the entire contract situation. Murray claims he offered Alfredsson $4.5 million and the veteran never got back to him. Alfredsson likely demanded a deal around $6 or $7 million for a single season.
"Two years ago we promised to extend his contract? When we did the contract originally I don't know any reason why I have to tell anything other than the truth. I'm 70-years-old you think I care what happens?," said Murray. "He said we asked for another year to make it cap friendly? He asked for a four year deal with up front money. It so happened there was the fourth year at $1 million. Both of us talked and he certainly didn't anticipate playing and J.P. didn't anticipate him playing so I said, 'That's fine.'"
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk also took time to express his disappointment in Alfredsson leaving. He is shocked the veteran thinks he can win a Stanley Cup in Detroit fast than in Ottawa. Melnyk stresses the Senators are the better team and they certainly wish Alfredsson well in the future.
