Alfredsson signs 1-day contract with Senators for retirement ceremony

Daniel Alfredsson is an Ottawa Senator once more.

Alfredsson signed a one-day contract with the Senators ahead of Thursday's game in order to retire as a member of the team where he spent most of his career.

Alfredsson officially announced his retirement Thursday morning, ending an 18-season NHL career. He spent 17 of those seasons with the Senators, setting franchise records in several categories - including games played (1,178), goals (426) and points (1,108).

(Related: 5 moments that defined Alfredsson's career with Ottawa)

"The memories I have of Daniel Alfredsson are the leadership qualities, the work ethic, the character," Senators general manager Bryan Murray said at the retirement press conference. "I remember after practice I would say to him 'why don't you get the hell off the ice and rest?' and he would say 'this is the fun part, Bryan.'"

Alfredsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings for what would be his final playing season, leading the team with 49 points in 68 games as a 41-year-old. He considered returning for another season but a nagging back ailment forced his hand, opening the door for him to retire in his adopted hometown.

"The future may hold some role for me in hockey again, but not this year. This year is for my family, for my own life, reflecting where we've been and deciding what's next," Alfredsson said. "I'm very grateful for this opportunity to say thank you and goodbye. And please: no more phonecalls for a while."