Daniel Alfredsson is joining the Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach, moving from the Ottawa Senators to their rival. The Hall of Famer, 53, spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach in Ottawa after a distinguished playing career, primarily with the Senators.

Alfredsson's arrival fills a vacancy on coach Jim Hiller's staff. The Maple Leafs also announced that assistant coaches Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde will not return. John Gruden and Brad Werenka are joining the staff as assistants alongside Alfredsson.

Alfredsson was a significant figure during the intense "Battle of Ontario" matchups between the Senators and Maple Leafs, which included four playoff series between 2000 and 2004. Senators owner Michael Andlauer expressed his disappointment but stated the door remains open for Alfredsson's potential return to Ottawa in the future.