With just over two weeks elapsed in the free agency season, there remains a number of available players but none seemingly with the juice to attract a deal.
This week the Arizona Coyotes resigned Shane Doan to a one-year contract.
Shane Doan – file photo by Brent Clark
Doan is the captain of the Coyotes and is 39 as the new season looms closer. It will be Doan’s 21st season with the franchise and it is inconceivable that he would ice for any other team.
Doan is the heart, soul, driver, and emotional leader of the club and his veteran leadership will be needed to see the Coyotes transition from missing the post season to be able to push deep into the playoffs sooner rather than later.
“I get asked often about the loyalty I feel towards this organization,” Doan said on NHL.com. “I get asked why I’ve turned down other opportunities so that I can keep playing hockey in what some people characterize as not an ideal situation. I’ve already given plenty of examples of why I love it here, but on a basic level, my biggest reason for wanting to stick around all these years is simple: The organization drafted me to win a Stanley Cup, and I still plan to deliver on my end of the bargain.”
Doan, who will turn 40 in October, is locked up for one more season at an estimated $5 million. In a free agent season that has seen money doled out to less valuable players, this deal seems appropriate and demonstrates that at some level, loyalty does still exist in sports.
“I’m happy to sign for another year,” Doan said. “I’m very excited about the players we added this summer and all of the talent we have on our roster. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season.”
With all of the instability off the ice, the Coyotes managed to lock down the on-ice product with a fan favorite.
“We are thrilled to have Shane back for another year,” Coyotes general manager John Chayka said on NHL.com. “No one has done more for this franchise than Shane. He’s one of the best captains in the NHL, and we are lucky to have him.”
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