On the Arizona Coyotes …
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes coach Dave Tippett thinks that Shane Doan will be back next season. Tippett on the Coyotes last game of the season.
“If that was his last game, he never would have come off the ice,” Tippett said. “So that’s just my gut feeling. He may prove me wrong.”
The 39-year old Doan will be talking with his family on whether or not to play another season. Doan didn’t put a deadline on a decision, but said he hopes to decide soon and that he already has an idea on what the decision might be.
“Our view is if Shane wants to come back, we’re thrilled,” Coyotes President, CEO and co-owner Anthony LeBlanc said. “There’s no bigger figurehead in regard to the Arizona Coyotes than Shane Doan. But it’s a decision that he has to come to with his family, and we’re going to let him dictate the time frame on that.”
If Doan were to retire, it won’t because his family told him to, “they’ll be just as happy, maybe happier” if he were to continue playing.
“We’ll talk a little more about it,” Doan said, “and make sure that everything’s lining up and in place to make the decision the best that we can.”
On Alexander Radulov …
Slava Malamud: Fetisov has said that Alexander Radulov is going back to the NHL.
On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Slava Malamud: Ilya Kovalchuk said that he will remain with SKA next season. A contract between Alex Khokhlachev and SKA is probable. This could rule out Pavel Datsyuk’s return.
Slava Malamud: When asked about a potential return to the NHL, Kovalchuk said: “we will see (next year)”
On Russian Doping …
Slava Malamud: Fetisov to Championat.com about the doping in Russia: “Why are (teens) leaving (for N.America)? Maybe they know what goes on here.”