The Coyotes plan to speak with long-time captain and pending unrestricted free agent Shane Doan on Monday during their exit interviews and make a decision as to whether or not they try to bring him back after, writes Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic. For his part, Doan acknowledged that remains undecided on whether or not he wants to play another season (and that there is no timetable for that decision to be made) but that he doesn’t see himself playing anywhere but Arizona.
The 40 year old has played his entire 21 year career with the organization and has seen his production dip significantly this season, posting just six goals and 20 assists, his lowest output since 1998-99. His agent, Terry Bross, suggests that the moves that the team makes over the coming months could potentially play a role in Doan’s decision as well. If that is the case, this decision could drag out well into the offseason. Last summer, Doan re-signed with the Coyotes back on July 12th and will receive deferred money on that contract through 2022.
Other notes from the Western Conference:
- Sharks center Logan Couture skated for the second straight day with a full face shield, reports Curtis Pashelka of the Mercury News. That would suggest he’s on pace to return in time for the start of the first round of the playoffs. Couture took a puck to the mouth on March 25th and has been out since then. As for Joe Thornton, head coach Peter DeBoer had no update on his knee injury, and is continuing to call him day-to-day.
- The Flames will rest several regulars tonight in their final game of the season, notes Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun. Included among them is blueliner Mark Giordano which will allow 2015 2nd round pick Rasmus Andersson to make his NHL debut. Andersson has been up with the team for nearly a month but has yet to get into a game. Also expected to sit tonight are forwards Mikael Backlund and Kris Versteeg as well as defenseman Deryk Engelland.