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Babcock calls Detroit landing Alfredsson ‘unbelievable’

mikebabcockgetty

While Ottawa Senators grapple with Daniel Alfredsson’s departure, the Detroit Red Wings seem delighted. Just ask head coach Mike Babcock.

Babcock described the “unbelievable” coup to Detroit Sports 105.1 FM last week, which the Detroit Free Press transcribed.

“We are so lucky and thrilled to have him, it’s not even funny,” Babcock said.

He detailed three things that stand out about the 40-year-old winger:

1. He’s an “ultra-competitive guy ... an elite competitor.”

2. Babcock raved about Alfredsson’s hockey IQ, comparing it to Pavel Datsyuk’s hockey mind.

3. Maybe most interestingly, Babcock raved about the Swede’s right-handed shot:

“We haven’t had a bomb like that on the power play since (Brendan) Shanahan left, from the right side,” Babcock said.

So, yes, Babcock is excited about the Red Wings’ shocking free agent acquisition.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins