On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of the Arizona Sports: Coyotes free agent Shane Doan said yesterday on the NHL Network that he would return to the Coyotes next season if they want to have him back. He’s talked to his family and they are good with him playing another season.
As of last night, the Coyotes couldn’t confirm this as he hadn’t spoke with them yet. Doan met with new GM John Chayka on Thursday for lunch. Doan is expected to talk with his agent soon.
“I think the sense is pretty positive overall,” Chayka said of Doan at a Thursday press conference to announce Chayka’s hiring as the team’s GM. “We’d be excited to have him back. The impact he can have on our group, and the impact he has on the ice is exceptional. It’s got to be something that makes sense for him and makes sense for us.”
The Coyotes don’t have a framework of a deal for Doan, but it could happen quickly as their hockey operations is more in order now. Co-owner Anthony LeBlanc said after the season that Doan would be welcomed back.
Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Duhatschek wonders if the Coyotes would make a play for the Maple Leafs first overall pick and hometown boy Auston Matthews. An offer would probably start with defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and might have to include Max Domi or Dylan Strome.
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Coyotes GM John Chayka on Sportsnet 590 yesterday on if the Coyotes might make a offer for Maple Leafs first overall pick to draft Matthews.
“I hope 29 teams try to make a pitch for No. 1, or at least make that call. On some teams it’ll make sense more than others. I think you could certainly use the logic to say if there’s a deal to be made then maybe it would make sense, but it’s all a hypothetical until you see what’s going on.”