Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) looks out from the face-off circle against the Chicago Blackhawks during Game 2 of the NHL Western Conference quarter-final playoffs in Glendale, Arizona April 14, 2012.DARRYL WEBB/Reuters
Shane Doan was still waiting to hear any assurance his Phoenix Coyotes would stay put by late Friday night.
Without that assurance from prospective Phoenix Coyotes buyer Greg Jamison, Doan will soon leave the only NHL team he's played for. The team captain's departure would also deal a blow to the Coyotes' chances of remaining credible to their tiny fan base.
As many as 16 other NHL teams expressed an interest in the Coyotes forward and the price of leaving the Coyotes franchise after 17 years has been set in the eyes of at least some teams.
A source familiar with Doan's talks with other NHL teams said it is thought it will take a four-year contract worth a total of $30-million (all currency U.S.) to get him.
However, Terry Bross, Doan's agent, said they have not made any specific demands although they are in possession of offers from six teams.
Considering that Doan will turn 36 in early October, that would be an expensive and risky proposition for a new employer, which may be why the Detroit Red Wings are reported to have dropped out of the running.
Last season, Doan made $4.55-million in the final year of his contract with the Coyotes but that is considered to be a hometown discount. The Coyotes captain had 50 points last season.
There are teams willing to pay Doan between $7-million and $7.5-million because of his leadership and two-way play but only for one or perhaps two years. However, the source said there will probably be at least one team willing to cough up that much for four years.
Among the teams chasing Doan are the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks.