Yet another deadline has been set for the Shane Doan dilemma.
Terry Bross, Doan’s agent, told the Arizona Republic on Thursday that the coveted free agent will sign with a club by Sept. 15. That is also the same date the current CBA is set to expire. Without a new deal by then, the NHL will lockout.
“Shane is going to sign a contract before the CBA expires on the 15th,” Bross said. “(Ownership has to) be done before the 15th, otherwise we’re signing somewhere because we don’t know what the new CBA is going to look like, and I don’t know if it’s going to limit any scope of a contract, so we want to make sure we sign before then .. I guess, from that respect, time is ticking.”
Doan is a veteran of the league, and has played with the same organization for his entire 17-year career. He now has an opportunity to go elsewhere for the first time. However, it is clear he wants to remain in Phoenix. He continues to give owner Greg Jamison time to clear up the ownership situation.
Could the Buffalo Sabres be a destination Doan? Remember, the Sabres reportedly offered him a four-year, $30 million deal (See Story). Also, teams such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks have also shown interest in acquiring Doan.
Although he will be turning 36 years-old in October, Doan can still produce at a high level. He led the Phoenix Coyotes to the Western Conference Finals this past season. Playing 72 games last season, Doan scored 22 goals and tallied for 50 points. If healthy, he can certainly match or eclipse those numbers next season (whenever that may be). Most importantly, Doan will provide veteran leadership for any team in the league.
So, what sweater will Shane Doan be wearing the next time he hits the ice?
Our answer should be revealed by September 15th.
Adam Pfeifer is a contributing writer covering the Philadelphia Flyers for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @Pfeiifey for news regarding the Flyers and NHL
