Chicago Blackhawks Will Not Sign Shane Doan

In case you missed it yesterday, the Arizona Coyotes decided to part ways with Shane Doan. Doan has spent his entire NHL career with the Franchise of the Arizona Coyotes formerly the Winnipeg Jets. Doan played his rookie season in Winnipeg in 1995-96 before they were moved to Arizona. He spent every season with the franchise from then on out.  He is currently the all time leading scorer in franchise history.

It makes sense that Arizona would waive goodbye to Doan. They are in the midst of a massive youth movement/rebuild. Last year they parted with Martin Hanzel via trade and this past weekend they traded long time goalie Mike Smith away to Calgary. Doan was the last of the old guard in Arizona.

Doan’s change of Heart

Last year, Doan had signed a 1 year contract worth $4,839,572 and a cap hit of $3,876,134. He said that he wanted to only play for one organization. Later his stance would soften on staying in Arizona, he would only accept a trade to a team of his choosing.

After being informed that Arizona would not re-sign him. Doan and his agent have now come out stated that he wants to chase a Stanley Cup.

Blackhawks Are Not a Fit

Pierre Lebrun believes that teams would have interest in Doan. I believe the Blackhawks will not be one of those teams. The Blackhawks are the mist of a youth movement and Doan does not fit that mold. Doan is 40 years old and plays right wing. . Based on his numbers last season, he might be only a fourth line player at this point his career. The Blackhawks do not have a need for a fourth line right wing and if they did Doan would not be on their shopping list. He also will carry a higher cap hit which the Hawks do not need or want for any aging player.

If Zawaski hadn’t said no, I would have said HECK NO! Doan is not what the Blackhawks are looking for. The Hawks need younger and cheaper options to fill out their bottom six forwards and backup goalie spot.

Good Luck to Shane Doan in his next career Stop!