Daniel Alfredsson not expected to attend Red Wings training camp

Daniel Alfredsson hasn't skated in 10 days due to a setback in his recurring back issues. As a result, the veteran forward isn't expected to attend Detroit Red Wings training camp, as per Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.

"The setback is a little bigger than Alfie thought," general manager Ken Holland revealed Monday. "I know he still wants to give himself every opportunity to see if his body will allow him to play. We're going to be patient — give him the time to make his decision.

"At this point, I don't expect him to be coming to camp."

Alfredsson has been waiting to see how his back would hold up prior to making a commitment to play one more season. Holland confirmed the door remains open for his return, but it appears as though retirement may be in consideration if the ailment doesn't improve.

"I think I owe him the class and dignity to allow him to get to a point where we sit down and make a decision about his future," Holland said. "Whether we sign him to a contract or not will be based on feedback from his body. Before we even get there, we have to see if Alfie's body is going to allow him to play.

"This has been, from his perspective, disappointing that, on the eve of camp, he's not been able to skate every day. Right now, Alfie doesn't feel the way he knows he needs to feel."