Arizona Coyotes: New GM May Impact Shane Doan’s Future With Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes captain is out of contract and his status is uncertain. Most assume he wishes to return, but will the new Coyotes GM agree?

The Arizona Coyotes had some brilliant rookies take the ice during the 2015-16 season. They also have one of the best blue-liners in the NHL.

There’s still one name that stands above all when it comes to desert hockey, however. That name is Shane Doan.

As a 39-year-old 3rd liner, Doan scored 28 goals last season and his tandem with Brad Richardson carried the Arizona Coyotes when Max Domi and Anthony Duclair could not.

Despite his huge season, Doan is without a contract for 2016-17. He still hasn’t made up his mind if he wants to return. “My wife has put her life on hold for 21 years,” Doan said. “I’m conscious and aware of all that and need to be cognizant that at some point you have to be able to give a little bit yourself.”

Fans and many media members who follow the Arizona Coyotes assume that the captain will eventually signal to management that he does wish to return for next season, at the minimum. Don Maloney is no longer in charge of the Coyotes’ roster, however, so will the next general manager show the same loyalty to the franchise’s most popular player?

Common sense says yes. Shane Doan is not only the franchise’s most popular player, he’s also statistically the best player the team has ever had. He is desert hockey in every sense of the word.

He’s coming off of a 28 goal, 19 assist season while pushing 40-years-old. Topping off his production, he’s the longest serving captain in the NHL and the team is expected to receive another influx of youth in the offseason with Dylan Strome and potentially Christian Dvorak joining the roster from junior hockey.

It’s pretty hard to envision how Captain Coyote wouldn’t be an asset as the Arizona Coyotes continue to rebuild under new management.

If I’ve learned anything about management over the years, however, it’s that when a new boss takes over they often want to make their presence known immediately. Sometimes that’s a change in policy. Sometimes it’s by making bigger waves.

If I’m 26-year-old John Chayka, the presumptive next general manager, is it possible that I might pass on Doan’s services or encourage him to ride off into the sunset?

Chayka is known for his analytics background, and a quick glance at Doan’s statistics tells us that #19 basically shot the lights out in 2015-16 en route to his 28 goal season. His career shooting percentage hovers around 10.6%, however for the majority of last season Doan was very close to shooting 20%.

He eventually concluded the season with a 16.5% shoot percentage, which is still 6% higher than his career average. Long story short, Chayka or whoever takes over will likely be under no illusions about Doan scoring that many goals next season. It is unlikely unless his shot volume increases to the totals we saw from him in his late twenties and early thirties.

If you’re Chayka or whomever the new GM may be, though, is it worth riling up the fan base to make an example? Is it worth losing Doan’s leadership on a statistical bet that he finishes closer to 15 goals than 28?

Next: Chayka Rumored To Be Next Coyotes GM

I don’t think so. I don’t think Chayka or whoever takes charge will think so either. 15 goals is pretty good for a 40-year-old, after all, and his leadership is invaluable to the youth of the Arizona Coyotes.

No, the fate of Shane Doan will not be in the hands of a first-time general manager.

The fate of Shane Doan is in his hands. As it should be.