The Senators announced Tuesday that Daniel Alfredsson, the team’s captain, had opted for back surgery later this week.

Alfie had hoped surgery wouldn’t be required but recently decided that it was a necessary to prolong his career:

It came to that and actually, I feel pretty good about the decision  […] I’ve gone a long time rehabbing it and it’s a lot better than it was during the season, but it’s still acting up and (the pain) is still coming back when I push myself physically. I feel really confident, after doing this, (about) coming back and feeling a lot better than I did last year.

The goal is remove pressure on a nerve:

He felt to continue his career at the level he wants to, it’s the right thing to do. It’s just to relieve a little pressure on a nerve that has taken away some of the strength in his leg and affected his skating and overall game.

Alfredsson turns 39 in December and isn’t ready to pack it in yet.  Rehab is expected to be 4-6 weeks meaning he should be 100% by training camp in September (knock on wood).

With quotes from OttawaSenators.com