Alfredsson Says Old Rivalry With Tucker Is Behind Him Ahead of Senators Matchup
Daniel Alfredsson, now an associate coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, spoke ahead of his first regular-season meeting with Ottawa since joining the staff. He laughed off his old feud with Darcy Tucker and indicated the two had reconciled after seeing each other at a Leafs alumni golf event. Alfredsson spent 17 seasons with the Senators and will return to Ottawa with Toronto on Jan. 20.
Alfredsson became part of Jim Hiller's Toronto staff in July. Saturday marked his first regular-season game against Ottawa since that move. He played 17 seasons for the Senators and was the club's first player to have a number retired. The next meeting comes Jan. 20 in Ottawa, where he will work the visiting bench beneath his No. 11 banner. He remains Ottawa's career points leader, with 1,108 in 1,178 games.
His feud with Tucker dates to the 2002 postseason, when Alfredsson shoved him into the boards and then netted the winner. Two years later, he mimicked Mats Sundin's stick throw. Toronto took all four playoff meetings between 2000 and 2004. Hiller gave Alfredsson control of the power play and noted his commitment.
This reunion may resonate most with Senators and Maple Leafs fans, who could revisit a heated playoff history while seeing a former Ottawa icon in Toronto colors. It may also shape how younger players and coaches view rivalry: old conflicts can fade into professional respect. For the teams, the attention could add extra emotion to the Jan. 20 game, though the actual competitive impact is likely limited to preparation and fan engagement.