Daniel Alfredsson said that there's a chance that the 2012-13 season may not be his last after he agreed to come back at the end of July. "I'm not saying this is my last year," he said. "If I can still play and contribute, I'll continue. I had issues with my back for a few years, and now that I finally feel healthy again, I want to see how good I can be." The 39-year-old Alfredsson pointed out the success that players like Jaromir Jagr (40) and Teemu Selanne (42) have had beyond the age of 40. He also said that he wants to push forward and see how much better he can play when his health is at a more acceptable level. GM Bryan Murray would like to discuss an extension at some point over the course of the year, but for now he's just happy to have his captain back in the fold.

Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson will return next season, his 17th in the NHL. There was some speculation that the 39-year-old would hang up the skates after his latest campaign -- one that saw him still produce at a high level with 27 goals and 59 points -- but he'll finish out the last year of his four-year contract. "I'm excited to get ready for another season,"Alfredsson said "I've been training for about a month and a half and my body feels a lot further ahead of where it was last year at this point. I expect to come into camp fitter and stronger than I did last year."

Veteran forward Daniel Alfredsson is working out in his home country of Sweden, giving the Ottawa Senators optimism that he plans to return for the 2012-13 season. The Senators' leader had been talking about retiring, but the Sens brass has made it clear that they would like him to return for his leadership and his declining-but-still-productive scoring ability. The 39-year-old scored 27 goals and 59 points in 75 games last season. Just the fact Alfredsson is in the gym is a positive sign for the franchise and its fans, according to the Ottawa Sun. He told the Sun last season he had to make sure "the fire still burned" to do the off-season workouts required to get ready to play. The Senators are trying to get another top-6 winger through the trade market - and have set their sights on Anaheim's Bobby Ryan. But that's a longshot and losing Alfredsson to retirement would leave an even bigger hole.

Senators GM Bryan Murray is still optimistic that Daniel Alfredsson will decide to play next season. "There is still no final decision on anything, but we had a very good conversation," Murray said. "We did talk about the team, what has happened around the team. There was interest on his part in what was going on." Alfredsson is already signed through the 2012-13 campaign, but he's brought up the possibility of retirement. Alfredsson scored 27 goals and 59 points in 75 games last season.

Ottawa coach Paul MacLean wants to see captain Daniel Alfredsson forgo retirement and return for another season. "The only thing I want to say is that I want him to play, but I also want him to do what's best for him, too," MacLean said. "If he decides he's not going to play, I will be the first guy in line to shake his hand and congratulate him on a heck of a career. He played a top six role, if not a top three role on our team (last season) and he's still a really good hockey player, but I understand that he's been doing it for a long time." The Senators bench boss said that Alfredsson adds so much to the team energy wise, but he understands that the veteran forward needs to do what's best for family and himself first.

Daniel Alfredsson captured the King Clancy Award on Wednesday night. The award is presented annually to the player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community."

Daniel Alfredsson is still undecided about his future and a decision is probably a few weeks away from happening. "I believe in a few weeks, I'll be there," he said. "I don't know if subconsciously I just tried to push the decision or not, but as of right now, I can't say I'm leaning one way or the other." He is slated to meet with GM Bryan Murray and head coach Paul MacLean this week, as all three will attend the NHL Awards on Wednesday night. Alfredsson said that a throat virus set him back a bit because he wants to test where his training and motivation are before he makes his intentions known.

Erik Karlsson has been in contact with Daniel Alfredsson, but he doesn't know if the Senators captain will retire or return for the 2012-13 campaign. "He's in Ottawa right now and I know he's working out, we've talked a couple of times," said Karlsson. "Once he comes here in Sweden, I think we're going to talk some more. I haven't really heard anything about his decision. I don't think he really knows either yet. So it's just a wait-and-see thing. He had a great season last year. It's funny, I think it was a lot better than he was a couple of years ago." Karlsson remains hopeful that Alfredsson will return. Alfredsson is already under contract with the Senators for 2012-13.

The Ottawa Senators said they won't rush captain Daniel Alfredsson for his decision to play or call it quits. "I don't need to hear from him right away and I don't need to hear from him before the draft," said GM Bryan Murray. "I know he's got a tough decision. I'm not going to ask him. Daniel and I had good conversations before he left here in the exit interview. I think he'll make up his mind when he feels comfortable making up his mind and I'm just going to leave it at that." Murray added that he would like to get Alfredsson back in the fold for the 2012-12 campaign

Daniel Alfredsson, who is still considering retirement, is taking this week off before beginning light workouts. "If I feel I have the desire and the will to go through with the workouts, and to push myself, then it's a go and I'll play," Alfredsson said. "If not, I'll say I don't have what it takes. I don't think it's fair for myself or anyone else to think that I just go through the summer so-so and then expect to play and be good." Alfredsson has one year left on his contract with the Ottawa Senators.