Matt Kartozian – USA TODAY Sports
As the nominations for this season’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy rolled in, it was little surprise to see Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan’s name on the list. The trophy is awarded to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey,” and when it comes to the Coyotes that is a fitting description of their fearless leader. While it looks more and more like the team will miss the playoffs this season it won’t be entirely due to a lack of effort on Doan’s part as he has been able to stay near the top of the team leaderboard despite some lengthy scoring droughts.
Doan is one of the most respected captains in the league, and does anything the Coyotes call on him to do. He plays a physical game and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves, yet he also finds himself near the top of the team’s scoring leaderboard each season. In 2013, only Mikkel Boedker has provided more offensively than Doan. After a good start to April with two goals and three points in three games things have been quiet for Doan. He still sits second to Boedker with 13 goals and 24 points on a Coyotes team that has lost four of its last five games.
Doan has played his entire career with the Winnipeg Jets/Coyotes, and a recent four-year extension makes it seem like he will finish his career there also. He previously won the King Clancy Trophy (humanitarian) in 2010 and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2012.
Jonathan Katje is an NHL senior writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your circles on Google Plus.
