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Next Thursday, if not before, the Ottawa Senators are expected to sign Daniel Alfredsson to a one-day contract. It makes sense as part of a tribute to their former captain on the day he's chosen to retire from the National Hockey League. In a city where he's beloved, he will retire as a Senator.

The details of the contract signing and retirement party are still being finalized by the Senators, who will be recognizing the most impactful player in team history.

The late John Ferguson Sr. is credited for spotting Alfredsson in a club game, playing for Frolunda in Sweden in the fall of 1993.

Then-general manager Randy Sexton recalled Ferguson's excitement over a player he described as a perfect combination of skill, hockey sense, grit and character. 

Sexton even made the voyage to Sweden later that season to watch Alfredsson, to see for himself if this talented late-bloomer fit the model of the player they were hoping to build their team with. And after watching him play just a couple of times, he knew Alfredsson was what Ottawa was looking for. Only Sexton didn't know where Alfredsson should be selected on their list of potential draft picks.

In April 1994, mere weeks before the NHL Entry Draft at the Hartford Civic Center, Sexton received another call from Ferguson. Sexton says Fergie couldn't contain his excitement. "Great news," Ferguson said. "Alfredsson has mono, no one else is going to see him at the Worlds."

Perhaps, a kiss of fate. The Senators sat quietly, but anxiously at their draft table as the rounds ticked away, with their NHL rivals seemingly unaware of Alfredsson's ability.

Ottawa selected centre Radek Bonk third overall, defenceman Stanislav Neckar in Round 2, and goaltender Bryan Masotta in the fourth round before their gamble finally paid off. 

The Senators called Alfredsson's name in the sixth round, 133rd overall, and the legend was born.

Alfredsson was an instant success, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year in 1995-96. He went to enjoy a glorious career in Ottawa setting franchise records in goals (426), assists (682) and points (1,108). His relentless work ethic became the identity of the Ottawa Senators. 

Former Toronto Maple Leaf Darcy Tucker fondly remembers the fierce rivalry he shared with Alfredsson in The Battle of Ontario. Through much of his career, Tucker wore his heart on his sleeve and played - at times - with reckless abandon. But as feisty as he could be in their head-to-head match ups, Tucker says Alfredsson shouldn't be remembered as being squeaky clean.

"He was a lot more greasy than people think," Tucker told The Dreger Report. "He didn't mind sticking you and then would laugh about it, but that's playoff hockey.

"It was good old-fashioned fun."

Following last week's Dreger Report acknowledging Alfredsson had decided he wasn't going to play this season and retirement seemed imminent, Tucker added a dose of humour, via twitter, that requires a follow-up.

" - Guess I should book my trip to Ottawa Dec.4th I'm sure Alfie would want me there on the big day #waitingbythephone"

This tweet ignited feedback from friends, fans and media who assumed Tucker was playfully taking a swipe at Alfredsson, who in Game 5 of the second round of the 2002 Stanley Cup playoffs, injured Tucker with a hit from behind before scoring the game-winning goal.  

The Leafs went on to win the series in seven games and while Tucker says he has great respect for Alfredsson, his tweet wasn't specific to that hit. It was simply a tongue-in-cheek joke about rivalry. "I don't care about that hit at all," he said. "Live and die by the sword." 

Tucker did, however, care about that hit at the start of the 2002-2003 season and admits he went out of his way to take Alfredsson out the first time the two faced each other. To the point, Tucker said, then-Leaf coach Pat Quinn called him into his office after the game to settle him down.

"Pat said, 'You don't have to get him on your first shift. I waited 12 years to get Tom Lysiak, so you better take a deep breath.'"  

Every game during that era of The Battle of Ontario meant something and as far as the Leafs were was concerned. To beat the Senators, you had to cut the head off of the snake. And Alfredsson was viewed as the snake.

On Thursday in Ottawa, the bad taste left in the mouths of those still bitter (over the contract squabble that ended with Alfredsson's decision to bolt for Detroit) will be washed away by his homecoming and a future in the Senators' front office that will likely take shape in time for next season.

Have a great weekend and look forward to another edition of Insider Trading on Tuesday on SportsCentre and TSN.ca.