Arizona Coyotes Captain Shane Doan Praises John Chayka, Plans To Return
Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan praised new general manager John Chayka on the NHL Network.
Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan believes that John Chayka was a good hire by the team’s ownership.
He did clarify that Chayka’s approach and understanding of hockey may be a little different than what he’s used to, but he seems willing to embrace the change.
“He’s a really bright kid that has an understanding of the game,” Doan told NHL.com. “It’s different than my understanding of the game and the fact that he understands the numbers and everything that goes with it.”
“He’s very, very eager. I enjoyed the conversation. He knows his stuff.”
For Coyotes fans, Doan’s acceptance and enthusiasm regarding Chayka’s hiring helps ease the fears of hiring a first-time general manager in the middle of an intense rebuild.
Doan’s reassurances regarding John Chayka took care of another concern swirling around the franchise. Namely whether or not the longest tenured captain in the National Hockey League would return for a 21st season.
After scoring 28 goals and chipping in 19 assists in 2015-16, the resurgent and record breaking season would have been the perfect note to end on. Shane Doan isn’t ready to close the book just yet, however.
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He told NHL Network’s “NHL Tonight” that he plans to return to the ice with the Arizona Coyotes in 2016-17 provided the franchise will have him. Boy, will they.
While John Chayka’s appointment was a bold move by ownership, I don’t think anyone in the front office is bold enough (or even willing) to part with the greatest player and ambassador in franchise history.
It is highly unlikely that Shane Doan replicates his 28 goal, 16.5% shooting percentage performance again next season. There are still plenty of kids to lead and mold, and 14 or 15 goals doesn’t look so bad from a third-line winger if regression occurs.
Dylan Strome and potentially Christian Dvorak figure to play a big part in the Arizona Coyotes lineup next season, and having Doaner around to guide the two junior hockey stars and captains will be a huge boon for head coach Dave Tippett.
We’ve already seen tremendous leadership out of Max Domi in his singular season in Glendale. Connor Murphy has gotten in on the act as well, being named alternate captain of Team USA at the World Championships.
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It’s fair to say Doan has had an impact with these youngsters. It’s fair to assume he’ll guide the next batch just as well.
Maybe we’re a bit premature, but welcome back to the Arizona Coyotes captain.