The ongoing Shane Doan contract saga could be resolved today with him either re-signing with the Phoenix Coyotes or going to The Vancouver Canucks. During this whole situation, The Arizona Republic illustrates how Doan has continued to act the part of the Coyotes captain. "It doesn't actually feel weird at all," winger Lauri Korpikoski said. "It's so normal that he's there. I don't even think about it that way for me. Obviously he's still the captain until he decides otherwise."
Based on his demeanor during these skates, Doan hasn't changed his job description.
He's welcomed new players Steve Sullivan and David Moss into the mix, chatting with them in between drills and slapping gloves after scrimmage goals.
A week ago, he gave four players a ride to lunch, telling them, "I have four kids," as a way of explaining that he had plenty of room in his vehicle.
And he's taken younger players aside after on-ice sessions to ease their transition to the professional ranks. First up was forward Chris Brown. Then defenseman Brandon Gormley.
"He's just telling me to do the little things," Brown said. "Everyone's here for a reason. Everyone got here for a reason. Everyone is drafted for a reason. So if you're here, you obviously have some kind of talent."
Teammates recognize Doan's unfortunate situation. Doan wants to stay, but it's also important for him to secure a contract under the current labor agreement.
"He's the leader of our team, so he'll be missed if he leaves, but I'm positive he won't," winger Mikkel Boedker said. "I'm positive he'll stay, and they'll get a deal done."
But if they don't, and these skates at the Ice Den are the last segment of Doan's legacy with the Coyotes, it's only fitting that he leaves as a mentor. He very well may have been grooming a successor.
"It'd be a big gap to fill," Brown said. "He's always had a huge impact since Phoenix started here. He's been here. He's the leader of the team. He's the focus of the franchise. He helps everyone. He makes sure everyone else is comfortable before himself.
"To have a guy like that not be around would be pretty hurtful. I know there are enough guys that can try to fill that hole, but no one will ever be a Shane Doan."
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