The report over the weekend that suggested that long-time Coyotes captain Shane Doan could be willing to accept a trade caught many by surprise. Speaking with reporters, including Tim Campbell of NHL.com, he clarified the situation:
“People have texted and talked to me about it. I never said I wouldn’t go anywhere. I’ve always wanted to stay here. If there was ever an opportunity, the Coyotes have always been incredible to me and respectful to me in every way.
“I’d talk about it with my family and make a decision on that if it was to come up but it would have to be so perfect and so right that it’s pretty hard for it to all line up perfectly. It would have to be exactly perfect and that just doesn’t happen too often in our sport.”
Doan has been with the organization for 21 years, dating back to their original incarnation as the old Winnipeg Jets. He’s one of just nine players in league history to spend that long with the same organization, a legacy that’s quite important to him, notes Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic.
The 40 year old has struggled this season, posting just four goals and eight assists in 43 games, his worst point-per-game production since 1996-97. The team is also expected to miss the playoffs as they 29th in the league and 16 points out of the last Wild Card spot so if he wants to play in the postseason this year, it will have to be somewhere else.
Doan was also quick to note, however, that the trade talk didn’t start with him:
“It wasn’t me saying it. I’ve been frustrated with the year, with us not winning and stuff, that’s always tough. I haven’t said it to them, to management, or said anything to them, but I’ve also never said I wouldn’t [agree to be traded].
“If it comes to that point, we’ll sit down and talk about it. It’s happened in the past, it’s just that no one’s ever heard about it. We’ve had the discussion and said yes or no and for the most part it’s been no.”
Although his days of being a top six forward are over, it’s likely that several contending teams would be interested in adding him for the stretch run. However, with a cap hit of just over $3.875MM (not including games played bonuses of over $960K), it would take some creativity to get the finances to work in a deal. Doan’s contract also carries deferred signing bonus money over the next five years (CapFriendly has the detailed breakdown) which also has to be considered as well.
Doan was also asked about whether or not this would be his final season and noted that he isn’t ready to make that decision yet:
“I’ll decide at the end of the year. As long as I’m enjoying playing the game, I want to play. It’s the best sport in the world.”
With the trade deadline still six weeks away, there’s plenty of time for Doan to make a decision about his playing future. If he decides to take a run at a Stanley Cup this season, he will be one of the more interesting players to change teams this season. His case will be one to keep a close eye on in the weeks ahead.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
unfortunately, this news has Stan Bowman’s name written all over it. Easy to imagine Hinostroza and DeBrincat heading to AZ for Doan + some associated salary retention.