The Ottawa Senators faced more devastating injuries this past season than perhaps any other NHL team. But it was in their post-season that they were dealt their final blow. In a free agency agreement made on Friday, the Sens have lost their now-former captain of 13 years, Daniel Alfredsson.

The news broke early Friday morning and was such a shock to everyone that it largely overshadowed any other free agency talk that day. Talk of angry conversations between Alfredsson and the Sens’ owners and management ran rampant. Some questioned Alfredsson’s loyalty and of course, whether or not this was the right move at the right time in his career. Others pointed the finger at the Sens organization, blaming them for not giving Alfie whatever he wanted way before free agency even began.

In the end, it came down to one simple fact. Alfie has little time left in his career and he wants to win a Cup. And he doesn’t think he can do it by staying with Ottawa, who he had been with for 17 years. It’s a bitter pill for Sens fans to swallow, but is it the truth?

Detroit and Ottawa were pretty much even in the regular season. Detroit lost to Chicago in the second round of the playoffs, but only by one goal. Ottawa also made it to the second round, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in five games, but most of their star players were just returning to the ice after sitting out with injury most of the year.

Alfredsson will join other Swedish stars currently playing for Detroit, including Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, and Jonathan Ericsson. But he leaves great players like Erik Karlsson, Mika Zibanejad, and Canadian veterans Chris Philips and Chris Neil.

The answer as to whether or not this was a good move by Alfie isn’t an easy one. But for the man himself it is, and although fans might not like it, right now that’s really all that matters.