GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Shane Doan got what he wanted from the start, signing with the only NHL team he’s ever known.
In doing so, he may have given the Phoenix Coyotes more than he got from them.
As the NHL heads into what could be a prolonged work stoppage, Doan gave Phoenix a chance to maintain some of the momentum it built during last year’s playoff run and the stability to build on what it accomplished over the past three seasons.
With Doan signing a four-year, $21.2 million contract on Friday, the Coyotes keep one of the Phoenix’s most popular athletes from leaving. He also deferred a $2 million signing bonus, giving Phoenix a chance to keep the key players it has and lure new ones to the desert.
