Doan plans to return to Coyotes
Captain would play 21st season with franchise
by NHL @NHL / NHL.com
Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan said Friday he intends to return for a 21st season with the team.
"Yeah I think I'm going to," Doan told "NHL Tonight." "We've talked about it as a family and we're going to do it. It was one of those things I wasn't sure about. But it's going to work, and we'll try it. They've got to agree to want me back."
Doan can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. General manager John Chayka, who was hired Thursday, said his first order of business was to ensure Doan would return.
"He's in the process of just finishing playing and seeing where his body's at … but the sense is pretty positive overall," Chayka said at his introductory press conference. "We'd be excited to have him back and the impact he can have on our group and on the ice is exceptional. It has to be something that makes sense for him and makes sense for us, but we'd be excited to have him."
Video: Doan discusses new GM John Chayka, reflects on season
Doan scored 28 goals (his most since 2008-09) and had 19 assists in 72 games this season. He became the leading scorer in Winnipeg Jets/Coyotes history when he got his 381st goal Dec. 31 and his 931st point Feb. 12, passing Dale Hawerchuk for each record.
His 1,466 games with the Jets/Coyotes rank fourth among players with only one franchise. He was selected by the Jets with the seventh pick of the 1995 NHL Draft, and made his debut during the 1995-96 season, the franchise's final one in Winnipeg.
"I don't think anyone ever plans on it, but I've been given the opportunity, and it means a lot to me," Doan said. "It's something that, I'm the biggest fan of our sport, I love our sport, and to have the opportunity to be involved for 20 years but to be with the same organization, it's been a lot of fun."