According to Pro Hockey Talk, Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan is willing to test the free agent market.
Phoenix brought back Zbynek Michalek back from the Penguins, while youngster Keith Yandle has been dangled in trade talks. On a team short on scoring and long on effort, Doan and fellow veteran Ray Whitney are crucial UFA’s the Coyotes must sign.
But how? with the ownership situation as muddled as ever, and the team in limbo for about 3 years now, it doesn’t look likely that their captain will return.
Between former Sharks CEO Greg Jamison, the watchdog Burbank group and Gary Bettman, it’s more than enough ownership and franchise turmoil for Doan to test the waters.
Why should the Sharks go after Shane Doan? After all, he’s definitely not the fleetest of foot, isn’t a huge finisher and is 35 years of age.
But for anyone who ever watched Shane Doan play, it’s quite clear what he brings to the table… and it’s what the Sharks have needed for years.
Leadership.
Doan has it.. in spades. What he lacks in foot speed, shot velocity or any other measureable, he’s got more than enough in the intangibles category.
A long time captain who is hyper competitive and plays with an angry streak, he is the very definition of a guy you hate to play against, but love to have on your team.
Shane put up 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games last year plus five goals and four assists in the Coyotes’ 16-game playoff run. Doan racked up 205 hits and posted a very solid Fenwick score good for 2nd on his team. He averaged about 20 minutes a game, and he can play on the right side allowing Marleau to play center on the 2nd line.
With the resign of Wingels and Desjardins, and the hopefully soon to be dismissed Torrey Mitchell, Doan fits in nicely on the second or even third line.
He’s also the kind of player that will prevent people from taking liberties with Pavelski, Marleau or Thornton, and will do whatever it takes to win.
Bring him home Doug..
Quick Notes :
The San Jose Sharks were busy yesterday, re-signing a trio of skaters in defenseman Justin Braun, forwards Tommy Wingels and Andrew Desjardins.
Reported by the Sacramento Bee, Justin Braun was re-signed for 3 years, Wingels for two and Desjardins for just one. According to the Bee, San Jose also made qualifying offers to forwards T.J. Galiardi, Tim Kennedy, Brandon Mashinter, Frazer McLaren, Matt Pelech and James Sheppard; defensemen Matt Irwin and Nick Petrecki and goalie Alex Stalock.
The Sharks said goodbye to a handful of forwards in Tony Lucia, James Marcou and Cameron MacIntyre, and goalie Tyson Sexsmith by not offering them a qualifying contract. Another skater left without a chair when the music stops is Benn Ferriero, he of the birthday playoff goal.
Good luck to you Benny.
Go Sharks
