The Toronto Maple Leafs hired Daniel Alfredsson not only due to the Swedish connection but his ability to connect with players and provide a keen eye for improvement.
On Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to bring in an old rival to help balance out their coaching staff as the team announced former Ottawa Senators captain and assistant head coach Daniel Alfredsson as part of Jim Hiller's new staff as an associate.
He joins Brad Werenka and John Gruden who were hired as assistants; and for Gruden it's a reward for leading the Toronto Marlies to the Calder Cup this past season.
Daniel Alfredsson is not only a great coach, but he's an even better communicator
But Alfredsson is the focal point, and many fans are wondering how he'll help out the lineup from rookies to veterans. He's a respected name who really values connection and is going to help be a great mediator between the lineup and the front office.
It may seem a little odd to have the Maple Leafs hire a guy who repeatedly torched them for years and is arguably their biggest rival of the 2000s but you can't deny that Alfredsson is good for the team as he's a player who has been through it all and has carved out a prosperous and long career.
He recorded 1,157 points in 1,246 games throughout his 18-year career, and while he never won the Hart or Rocket, he was awarded the Calder in 1995-96, as well as a King Clancy Award and Messier Trophy which both acknowledged his leadership and impact in the community; not to mention he captained the Senators for 13 years.
If there is anyone who is a leader it's Alfredsson and his ability to communicate and pass on his vast knowledge and wisdom to not only stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander but for the younger generation like Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan is going to be invaluable.
Plus, he keeps active as much as he can and he won't be shy about letting a few shots fly in practice and prove to the boys he still has it. It's part of creating unity because if the coach can come down to the player's level then it'll be easier to find that communication.
Why a Mats Sundin and Daniel Alfredsson partnership is so important
Well, when you're bringing in two of the greatest Swedish players of all time to work together you can only hope for good things. While the two were rivals on the ice in the NHL, they were key parts of Team Sweden and developed a friendship and respect that has lasted to this day.
But what makes Alfredsson so important in this role is that he can be the perfect mediator between the bench and front office. If there are concerns from the stars and they feel that the team is missing a certain piece or role player, then that trust in Alfredsson to relay that message will make things easier.
If John Chayka knows exactly how the Maple Leafs feel about their progress, then he can try and do his best to help support them as best he can. Alfredsson is going to give it to Chayka as transparent as possible, and there's a really good chance that some moves made this season have his opinion attached.
Sundin and Alfredsson working together is a partnership that we never thought could have happened two decades ago, as they were neck-and-neck with each other despite sharing the same culture, language, and heritage.
But now they are coming together to form a dominant duo the likes of which we haven't seen before and one that could lead the Maple Leafs to a lot of success.
Was Daniel Alfredsson a good hire by the Toronto Maple Leafs?
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