McKenzie: Wings, Alfredsson in feeling out process
/Bob McKenzie was on TSN 1050 Monday afternoon.
On Daniel Alfredsson:
“I’d be surprised if Daniel Alfredsson doesn’t show up to camp. I’m not sure that he necessarily shows up to camp with a contract for the Detroit Red Wings. And maybe if he doesn’t, maybe he doesn’t show up to camp. I don’t know.
“But again, I think No. 1, first and foremost, when you’re talking about players of Daniel Alfredsson’s stature and age and health history – first and foremost – he needs to feel comfortable that he can still play the game. That poor health, injuries, and age are not going to prevent him from being able to show up and play at a level he feels like he needs to play at.
“But I think if you’re the Detroit Red Wings, I’m not sure given cap situations, and the fact they’ve got a lot of forwards in Detroit, a lot of young guys knocking on the door looking for jobs – I’m not sure that the Detroit Red Wings could necessarily commit to a contract to Daniel Alfredsson right now without seeing him in camp and knowing that he’s got some game right now. That he’s healthy and that he can go through the rigors of training camp and a bunch of exhibition games and that he’s not going to come up lame and not be able to play.
“So I think it’s kind of a feeling out process on the part of both sides, but first and foremost, Daniel Alfredsson needs in his own mind to decide ‘I’m ready and up for the challenge’, both mentally and physically.
“And if he is, then it’s up to the Detroit Red Wings to decide ‘Are we going to give this guy a contract to show up, or are we going to give him a contract if he shows up’ and shows he can get through training camp.”
Source: TSN 1050/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey