Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson isn't ready to call it quits just yet.
The 39-year-old announced Tuesday he will return to play out the final year of his four-year contract with the NHL club.
Alfredsson said he needed to test himself in rigorous off-season training to see if his body could withstand another NHL campaign before deciding whether to return. The result was positive.
"I've had the motivation of playing from the beginning, but I had to go through the process," the right winger said on a conference call from Sweden.
"With my back problems, I haven't been able to work out as I'd like the last four years.
"And after back surgery last year, I wanted to see where I stand. I'm happy I feel the way I do."
Alfredsson will return for a 17th season with the only NHL team he has known and where he has been captain since 19992000.
The gifted playmaker and scorer has amassed 416 goals, 666 assists for 1,082 points in 1,131 games - all team records. He holds the same records in the playoffs, with 111 games, 47 goals, 43 assists and 90 points.
He had suggested he might retire after last season, when he had 27 goals and 32 assists in 75 games and helped Ottawa reach the playoffs. The Senators lost in seven games in the first round to the New York Rangers.
