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Some took it for granted Alfredsson already had his Canadian citizenship.

“It feels like he is,” Leeder said with a smile. “I’ve said a number of times, he’s probably the ultimate Senator. People never viewed him as a Swede. He was just part of our community and part of our team. They just viewed him as a big part of the Ottawa community.”

This will be a big year for Alfredsson.

On Dec. 29th before a game against the Red Wings, he’ll have the No. 11 he wore so proudly raised to the rafters and will become the first player in the modern day history of the franchise to have his number retired.

“I know he’s happy to be back but he also recognizes that Detroit treated him pretty well in the time he was there,” Leeder said. “The fact that we’re honouring him at the Detroit game was important to him.”

Alfredsson, who returns to Sweden every summer, said Ottawa feels a lot like home.

“I always feel when I go back to Sweden, this is where I grew up and where I was born, but when I come back to Canada you feel the same way, this feels like home _ especially with all things that have happened to us as a family throughout the years,” said Alfredsson.

“The kids were born here. They played youth hockey and sports. I don’t know the right words to use to be honest but we feel very much at home in Canada.”

Asked if Alfredsson can see the irony in getting his citizenship in Toronto, he said: “I sure do and it’s not only in Toronto but I’m here working for Team Sweden and playing against Canada. It’s an irony.”

Somebody suggested on twitter Alfredsson might be the only person in the ceremony booed as they’re get granted their citizenship.

“It’s okay with me. It will be worth it,” he said.

His allegiances are still with Sweden heading into the tournament.

“I will cheer for Canada as long as they don’t played Sweden,” Alfredsson said.