Shane Doan is a unique player in the modern NHL.
Very few players get to spend their entire career with one franchise, and barring the unforeseen, Doan will accomplish that feat.
Having been with the Jets/Coyotes franchise for the past 19 years, the 38-year-old has been through it all, especially with a team that has navigated through many bumps in the road.
Despite all the lows Doan has seen through the years, this year has been notably difficult for the captain. With the team struggling and languishing among the basement dwellers chasing a chance to land the top overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, this season has left a bitter taste in Doan’s mouth.
“Obviously, it’s kind of embarrassing,” the veteran forward told MayorsManor Tuesday. “As a player, it’s always tough. You never want to be stuck in this situation, but we are and we have to deal with it. The new guys coming in, they’ve played well. We’ve been in games; we just haven’t found ways to win, and that’s the name of it. It’s just disappointing. You just feel bad, we’ve been bad. There’s no way to get around it. We’ve been bad and we have to be better.”
The team’s struggles have put the Halkirk, Alberta native in an unenviable position. The Coyotes made it clear at the deadline when they traded Keith Yandle that they have hit the reset button and are re-building for the future, leaving Doan as the captain of a sinking ship. He’s been fiercely loyal to the franchise, but at 38 years old, he doesn’t look anywhere near his first Stanley Cup. Doan has one season left on his current contract.
Things could’ve been different. In 2012 Doan was an unrestricted free agent free to sign anywhere. Instead, he signed for another four years to play in the desert. At the trade deadline, which saw the departure of Yandle and pending UFA Antoine Vermette, Doan could’ve asked for a trade to a team that would give him a legitimate chance at his first Cup.
However, Doan says he’s never regretted the loyalty he’s shown to the Coyotes.
“Things happen the way they’re supposed to happen. No one really worries about going back or thinking or wishing that you did something else,” Doan said. “I’m pretty grateful and thankful for the opportunity to play in the league. It’s one of those things that if you get doing that too much, you’re going to miss enjoying what you’re doing right now. I still love to play the game; I love to be out there playing and competing. If I get worrying about too many other things, it will take that joy away.”
