PHOENIX – In what has emerged as an accessory to the ownership saga that has plagued the Coyotes for the past three years, the uncertainty surrounding captain Shane Doan's future with the franchise might be nearing a resolution.
Doan will chat over the phone with potential buyer Greg Jamison Friday in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to gain insight into the status of Jamison's bid to purchase the Coyotes. If Doan's camp doesn't receive the reassurance it's seeking, talks with other interested teams are likely to begin.
"We're expecting some type of announcement or debriefing (Friday) regarding the ownership group, and hopefully we get good news and (general manager) Don (Maloney) and I can start putting pencil to paper," said Doan's agent, Terry Bross. "If we don't, I think we're going to start to negotiate with some of the other clubs."
Doan has prepared a list of teams he would consider joining. Already 16 teams have expressed interest in the 35-year-old right wing and six have made formal offers.
"I say there are three or four that he's very serious about," Bross said. "There's probably two more that he has a lot of interest in."
Should Doan choose to leave the Coyotes, he could have a new address quickly.
"I wouldn't be shocked if we had a decision next week," Bross said.
Last week, Doan visited with the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. Doan and Bross are expected to continue visiting with teams, even planning a flight Thursday night to meet with suitors on the East Coast, but that was put on hold to await news from Jamison.
Visits with other clubs could resume after Doan hears from Jamison. Montreal could be the next destination.
"I think it's a possibility," Bross said about the Canadiens.
Since becoming a free agent on July 1, Doan has waited to sign in an attempt to give the Coyotes time to secure an owner. Since then, a pair of ballot measures that could have an impact on the $324 million lease agreement with Jamison was rejected, but a sale has not yet been completed.
Bross still hasn't had communication with Jamison, nor has he heard anything encouraging about the status of the bid.
"We've been pretty patient," Bross said. "We're a month into free agency. We've been pushing everybody back."
While doing so, interest for Doan's services has only seemed to peak. He's the last remaining prize in free agency and easily could find a lucrative contract elsewhere.
But Doan wants to remain with the Coyotes. There just might not be enough time to get that accomplished.
"It's time to fish or cut bait," Bross said. "All the obstacles are out of the way, so I can't hold these teams off forever. They have franchises to run, and they need to make moves for their clubs as well. I don't think it's fair to Shane or the other clubs that might be interested to continue to drag this out."
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