Music: {allcanada} ALFREDSSON WEIGHS MOTIVATION TO PLAY

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

{allcanada} ALFREDSSON WEIGHS MOTIVATION TO PLAY

The Ottawa Sun observes that almost two weeks into what was supposed to be the start of his 17th NHL season, Daniel Alfredsson is becoming quite comfortable with life away from pro hockey. So comfortable, in fact, that it sounds as though he's fully prepared to accept retirement now — even if the current season is saved.

"I think the longer it's been going here I don't feel as eager to get back," the 39-year-old said in a discussion about the lockout. "I'd say I'm more relaxed. If it happens, it happens.

"I can't say I've at all been frustrated or really looking forward to coming to the rink. I love it when I'm on the ice and I have fun, but at the same time, at this stage, I know I have to look forward as well. Depending what happens, we'll see how quick that comes."

Asked if he might reverse his decision to continue playing should the league shutdown last until, say, January, Alfredsson shrugged.

"I don't know. I don't think so," said Alfredsson, who takes part in "one or two" of the union brothers' three weekly skates. "Obviously, if we get a solution, I'll go to camp and see how the motivation is. I haven't skated as much as we normally do, but I've been going to the gym four days a week, and I feel really good there.

"I enjoy working out, so I'm not going to stop being in shape, but it's a different step once you go to training camp."

The truth is, Alfredsson doesn't know what his mind-set will be in a couple of weeks.

"I think that goes for everybody," he said. "For the fans, too. I think in the beginning everybody follows exactly what goes on (with the labour dispute). You read every little thing, and you read into it, and as time goes on and nothing happens, you kind of tune out of it, you get tired of it. We're no different."

Alfredsson kept his seat on the fence warm when he also wouldn't rule out missing an entire season, then returning in a year's time.

"I could, physically," he said. "I don't think it would be an issue for me. It's all in motivation, I think. Do I feel I could go a whole year and do it again? I think I could. But do I want to? That's more what I think will determine it."