Housing Market Influenced Alfredsson’s move to Detroit

Fans of the Ottawa Senators were in shock earlier this summer when Daniel Alfredsson, the team’s long time captain, signed with the Red Wings.

Later, a war of words a broke out between Alfie’s agent and Ottawa’s GM about who was at fault for the departure of the veteran forward.

Yesterday, Alfredsson cleared the air and explained the real motivation behind his move to Motown: Detroit’s burgeoning real estate market.  

“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time in Ottawa,” said Alfredsson. “But the housing market is quite flat and I just don't see the growth potential that exists in Detroit.”

Hockeytown has fallen on hard times in recent years, and just recently, the city filed for bankruptcy. But that has not deterred Alfie. In fact, the oldest Red Wing spent the better part of August scouting various neighbourhoods in Detroit, looking for a good deal.

“We saw a nice 3-bedroom just east of downtown for only $15,000. That’s what my monthly property tax bill was in Ottawa.”

Speaking to reporters after a workout on Monday, the 40-year old Swede explained that many of his countrymen have convinced him that the Motor City has potential.

“Lidström, Zetterberg, Franzen ... these guys have always told me that Detroit could be the next Stockholm.”

Alfredsson also hinted that the chance to win a Cup with Detroit was not the prime motivator.

“As I near the end of my career, it’s time to start thinking about life after hockey. And that means making sound investments.”