NHL teams
Pierre LeBrun, ESPN Senior Writer 10y

Daniel Alfredsson, 41, out for back

NHL, Detroit Red Wings

Daniel Alfredsson won't be with the Detroit Red Wings when they open camp Thursday. Whether his NHL career continues is also in question.

The 41-year-old winger had a setback while skating earlier this month. He's been off the ice for more than a week.

"Daniel had a strong summer training and was feeling great while skating here but suffered a setback on his fifth day of high intensity on ice sessions,'' Alfredsson's agent J.P. Barry of CAA Sports told ESPN.com. "It's the same back issue he has been dealing with for a few years. He needs some time to let things settle and then determine whether his back is up to the rigors of another full season. He will be patient for now before making any decisions."

Alfredsson, the former Ottawa Senators captain, is an unrestricted free agent and had agreed with the Red Wings to skate with other Detroit players in early September and make a decision on whether his body was up to playing another NHL season. Now that decision is on hold.

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