Senators say Alfie's season is over By BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

Daniel Alfredsson's back injury has ended his season, the Senators said on Monday. (File photo)

It’s official: Daniel Alfredsson is done for the season.

The Senators captain won’t attempt to come back from a back injury that has kept him out since Feb. 7. Instead, he’ll spend the next month trying to strengthen his back to avoid surgery.

But, despite rumours to the contrary, the 38-year-old Alfredsson does plan to return next season.

“The progress has been going pretty good,” said Alfredsson. “Skating has been what’s troubled me the most. I felt OK on the ice, but not enough to justify playing in a game. It’s been dragging on for a while, I expect to be back next year.”

The Senators were shorthanded for practice on Monday. Winger Marek Svatos, out with a concussion, wasn’t on the ice. Neither were Patrick Wiercioch and Andre Benoit, who were both sent to Binghamton Sunday.

They are both expected to be recalled in time to play the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday at home. Winger Colin Greening, sent down Friday, will also likely be brought back to play in place of the injured Svatos.

The Senators had 2009 draft pick Andre Petersson on the ice with them Monday at the Bell Sensplex. He is in town rehabbing a knee injury, but isn’t eligible to play because he’s not signed to a contract.