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In a bit of a surprise, thirty-nine year old Daniel Alfredsson has decided to join up with the Swedish national team for the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships.
The decision came just a handful of days after his Ottawa Senators were eliminated by the New York Rangers in seven games.
Alfredsson, still playing a high level of hockey(27G/22A in 75 GP), was a virtual shoe-in for a Swedish team looking for additional scoring help on the wings. However, considering his injury history in the 2011-2012 season, this decision couldn't have been easy on Alfredsson's end.
After being hit high and hard by Carl Hagelin in a first-round playoff series with the New York Rangers, Alfredsson was diagnosed with a concussion - the second of the season. Alfredsson is said to have rehabilitated quickly from the second hit, but he's certainly playing the game of hockey at a high level of risk right now. A third concussion in such short order would almost certainly be disastrous.
However, Alfredsson's decision to jump the pond and play for his country does speak well about any potential short-term health issues. There was legitimate doubt as to whether or not the captain was 100% when he returned in game six v. New York. Now, I think it's pretty safe to say he's feeling fine.
While Alfredsson's health may be in good standing right now, his decision to play one more season with the Ottawa Senators hangs in the balance. Some have fairly noted that his quick commitment to Team Sweden speaks to his good health and high potential to return in 2012-2013.
The alternative argument does make a bit of sense, too. Is Alfredsson looking for a swan song of sorts in international competition, taking the Swedish national team to their first IIHF World Championship gold medal for the first time since 2006?
At this point, it's hard to say. Still, best of luck to Daniel Alfredsson in his seventh stint with Team Sweden at Worlds.
Back with more tomorrow.
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