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The farewell Arizona never really thought it would see is official today.
According to Pierre LeBrun, Coyotes captain Shane Doan and the team are parting ways this offseason.
Doan hasn't decided on his playing future yet. There are other teams I believe who have some interest in him. (con't)
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 19, 2017
This isn't so much a player move as a changing of the guard in Arizona. Doan has been the Coyotes captain since 2003, a total of 14 seasons, and is the last remaining "Original" Coyote in Phoenix. In fact, he's the last remaining original Phoenix Coyote to still be playing pro hockey, anywhere. He's also the last "original" Winnipeg Jet still active anywhere in the pro hockey playing world, with 1,540 games in total with the franchise.
This offseason saw speculation over the 40-year-old's future, with him not entirely sure whether or not he'd play another season. It appears that if he does, it will be first NHL game suiting up outside the same franchise that drafted him.
UPDATE: Doan's agent, Terry Bross, has confirmed that he'll enter the FA market this summer for one last run at a Cup.
Shane Doan's agent Terry Bross: "Shane is ready to enter the free-agent market & see where it goes. Time for him to get a shot at the Cup."
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) June 19, 2017
It seems that this is the only way he'll remain in the NHL after the Arizona management decided they weren't prepared to wait for him any longer, although there are conflicting reports of him being offered a management position when his playing career does finally end. It must be said, however, it is not confirmed one has been offered as yet.
The desert sun has finally set on Shane Doan, in a decision that will no doubt lead to many questions this offseason. The Captaincy isn't one, though, with reports saying that Oliver Ekman-Larsson has already been named the new captain. As Doan's replacement, he will become only the fourth-ever captain of the Arizona franchise.
Today, a new era awaits in the desert.
Official statement from #Coyotes owner Andrew Barroway re: Shane Doan... pic.twitter.com/LAAzgS7IBH
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 19, 2017
6/20/17 UPDATE: Doan was indeed offered a front office position, according to Craig Morgan of AZ Sports. Doan’s agent Terry Bross has since then come forward and said that Doan is not looking to accept and will test out free agency to play in the 2017-18 season.
Shane Doan has been offered a front office job with the Coyotes. Given how raw this all is right now, I assume he'll mull that offer a bit.
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) June 19, 2017
Shane Doan is NOT mulling over any front office job, he IS preparing to play the 2017/18 NHL season.
— Terry Bross (@TBrossagent) June 20, 2017
This story is developing, FFH will update this article as more news is released.