Murray says Alfie will remain captain

By BRUCE GARRIOCH

Daniel Alfredsson will remain captain of the Senators this season.

Senators coach Bryan Murray told the Sun in a pre-training camp interview this week that he doesn't plan to change the club's captaincy.

While there have been suggestions that some pressure might be taken off Alfredsson if he was relieved of the 'C', Murray put the debate to rest.

Murray thinks if the organization made that move, it would have to trade Alfredsson.

"We're not going to make any change in that area. We feel that Daniel Alfredsson provides good leadership for this club and we're pleased with the job he has done," said Murray.

Alfredsson is entering his 12th season with the Senators -- sixth as captain. He has often been fingered for blame when the club has made an early exit from the playoffs.

Yes, with defenceman Zdeno Chara gone to Boston, there is going to be change in leadership with the Senators. Expect to see defenceman Chris Phillips asked to play more of an active role in the leadership group and possibly wear an 'A,' along with Wade Redden.

Murray said Alfredsson is the right man for the job.

"I go places during the summer all around the Ottawa Valley and I get this question about Daniel Alfredsson all the time. I always answer it the same way: The only problem with Daniel Alfredsson is sometime he cares so much that he tries to do it all by himself," said Murray.

"I really believe that. I look at Daniel Alfredsson at times, and I think sometimes in the playoffs, he thinks he has to do it all by himself. We've discussed that and he just wants to have success for this team so badly that sometimes he gets caught in that trap. But, we know what Daniel Alfredsson means to this team and you can't fault him for caring. He just wants to win a Stanley Cup here badly."
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