Daniel-Alfredsson-11-12-13

At age 41, Daniel Alfredsson ranks third on the Red Wings in goals and points.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT – Daniel Alfredsson has consulted with many players while contemplating his future after each of the past couple of seasons.

Virtually all have told him the same: If you still have the energy and desire, continue playing as long as you can.

Alfredsson has the ability to play another season. At age 41, he has made an impact in his first season with the Detroit Red Wings, following 17 years with the Ottawa Senators. He is tied for third on the team with 14 goals and is third with 37 points, in 50 games.

When the Red Wings signed him to a one-year, $5.5 million contract last summer they hoped he would stick around for another season.

Alfredsson said he’ll decide on his future after the season but if he were to play another year, he wants to remain with the Red Wings.

“It was a big change moving and it took a little bit to get accustomed to everything, for it to feel natural coming to the rink, but I feel very welcomed and thoroughly enjoyed my time here,” Alfredsson said. “As far as everything around the city, I have no questions about my future here. If my body and mind tells me there’s more to give, I would definitely look forward to an opportunity to come back.”

Alfredsson said he hasn’t had any talks with management about his future. The focus is on winning games and getting into the playoffs. He has no timeline but said he’ll likely take a couple of weeks off after the season and then decide.

“It takes a lot of sacrifice,” Alfredsson said. “The toughest part I find is the travel, being away from the family as much as we are. I’m very fortunate to have a great wife that’s very understanding and supportive.

“But I love the game. I love to come to practice, love everything about what we do. I know when I retire I’m going to miss a lot of it. So that’s also a factor.”

He said he’s had fun this season, despite the club’s struggles to stay in playoff contention.

“We’ve had a challenging season as a team, going through a lot of adversity, but I think that’s something that builds character for the team as well,” Alfredsson said. “We’ve all seen how good a lot of the young guys are who’ve gotten an opportunity to play and thrived in that situation.”