Before playing in the NHL, Alfredsson played 3 seasons in the Swedish Elite League with Frölunda HC. He was selected by the Senators with the 133rd overall pick in the 1994 NHL Draft. Alfredsson won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1996. He returned to play for Frölunda HC for 15 games during the 2004–05 NHL lockout. He played for the Ottawa Senators for 17 seasons and served as their captain from 1999 to 2013. On July 5, 2013, Alfredsson signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.