Travis Green, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the height of the rivalry with Ottawa, confirmed on his first day as Senators head coach that he had texted former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson.
Two longtime enemies from the Battle of Ontario could share room behind the Ottawa Senators bench next season.
On his first day as head coach of the Senators, Travis Green, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the rivalry with Ottawa, stated he had exchanged texts with former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson and will meet soon to discuss his job.
Alfredsson served as an assistant to interim coach Jacques Martin last season. According to Green, if Alfie wishes to continue in that role, he has the option to return.
“When you’re talking about Daniel Alfredsson, you’re really talking about a legend, a hall of fame player, and when you think about the Senators you’re going to think about him,” Green said on Wednesday. We texted back and forth yesterday.
“I’m looking forward to chatting with Daniel Alfredsson to get his thoughts and ideas on where he wants to go, and whether he wants to be a full-time coach. I’m open to whatever he wants to do. I’m looking forward to sitting down with him and talking hockey and coaching.
“When I was in Vancouver, Henrik and Daniel Sedin were in their final year and then retired. He’s been out for a while, but players like that are important to the club, and I’m looking forward to speaking with him.
Green will work with Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, to establish his staff. Green’s choice between Winnipeg assistant Nolan Baumgartner and Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden remains uncertain.
