Shane Doan could be the most desirable free agent left on the market, but he appears to be in no rush to make a decision.
Teams now appear willing to wait -- among them the Phoenix Coyotes, the franchise for which Doan has played every game of his NHL career.
Doan has expressed a desire to re-sign with the Coyotes but is hesitant to do so while ownership questions remain.
Coyotes general manager Don Maloney told the Arizona Republic he doesn't mind waiting on Doan, believing it still "may be weeks" until the forward picks a team.
However, Maloney is optimistic that when Doan does make a decision, it will be to stay in Phoenix.
"I still remain confident that we will be able to sign Shane," Maloney said. "Nothing has changed in that respect. We still have regular communication despite everything you see and read."
Doan has played 1,198 games with the Coyotes franchise, dating to the team's final season in Winnipeg. He had 22 goals and 50 points last season, plus nine points in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
While Maloney waits for Doan, the GM said he's attempting to work on a contract extension for goaltender Mike Smith. Smith signed a two-year contract last year, then had the best season of his career, finishing third in the League with a .930 save percentage while going 38-18-10 with a 2.21 goals-against average.
"I have had a brief conversation with [Smith's] agent, and they're certainly willing to talk to us," Maloney said.
Once the Doan situation is settled, Maloney said re-signing Smith will become his top priority.
"Once we know that and how that is resolved, then certainly Mike is a guy I want to get after maybe into August," Maloney said.
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