This year was the first time I’ve had the chance to catch the Coyotes’ prospect development camp in a couple years. There were a few players that caught my eye, one being goalie prospect, Louis Domingue.
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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman sat down with Sportnet’s Rob Kerr to talk about the upcoming CBA, the draft, rumors and the Phoenix Coyotes.
First off, I’d like to welcome Henrik Samuelsson to the Phoenix Coyotes Organization.
Drafting former Associate Coach Ulf Samuelsson’s son wasn’t the only thing General Manager Don Maloney had on the table. A deal that would send former Coyotes’ D Zbynek Michalek back to the desert in trade for Coyotes’ prospect, Harrison Ruopp, 3rd round pick and goalie Marc Cheverie.
Its believed that now having Jordan Staal traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, that the Pens are looking to free up cap-space to try and land unrestricted free agent, Zach Parise.
Although the Phoenix Coyotes fan base may lack in size, theres no denying the passion for their team. Like the NHL, the fans are fighting to keep the Coyotes in Glendale; and all seemed fine until the Goldwater Institute decided to weigh in…again. Already effectively killing a possible ownership deal with Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer, the conservative watchdog group pulled for a referendum on the initial City of Glendale vote. Now having to collect signatures for the public referendum, the residents of Glendale have until July 9th to do so but they won’t be the only ones pounding away on the streets of Glendale, a group of Phoenix Coyotes fans have come together in hopes of showing not only the true colors of the Goldwater Institute but the MAJOR effects if the Coyotes were to leave Glendale.
At Wednesday’s NHL Awards ceremony Phoenix Coyotes’ Captain, Shane Doan was presented with the Mark Messier Leadership Award. An award that is set to recognize a player who displays superior leadership in the locker room and on ice as well as being a contributing member of the community.
Playing such a fast pace game its easy to forget to slow down once and awhile but not for Captain Shane Doan. Its not uncommon to see Doan throwing pucks over the glass during warm-ups, or staying at an event later than planned to insure every fan, child or adult, gets an autograph. Heck, ‘Charity’ might even be his middle name, given all that Shane Doan and his family has donated.
The fans love Shane Doan and Shane Doan loves them. Why wouldn’t they? Shane Doan has stuck with the franchise that drafted him in 1995. Through good and bad, Shane Doan was right there fighting the good fight. And when Jerry Moyes put the team in bankruptcy in 2009 to force a sale to Jim Balsillie, a sale that would eventually see them shipped to Hamilton, Ontario, Shane Doan was there.
Not one to speak publicly or even worry about the ownership saga for that matter, Shane Doan rallied his troops to three playoff runs. This last seasons playoff was special for Doan. All his hard work was now paying off. The Coyotes finished on top of the Pacific division for the first time and advanced past the first round for the first time since moving to the Valley.
It was now that Shane Doan was being recognized outside of hockey circles as the state couldn’t ignore the NHL’s best kept secret. And when facing a sweep, it was Shane Doan who stepped up and scored the only two goals of the game to bring the playoffs home for one more game. Sadly the season ended a few nights later but thanks to Shane Doan, the fans couldn’t stay sad for too long. Many milestones were reached during this season, many courtesy of Shane Doan.
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In related news, Shane Doan is set to become a Unrestricted Free Agent come July 1st. Both General Manager Don Maloney and Shane Doan are hoping to reach an agreement before the start of free agency as Don Maloney is fearful of what could happen if Doan isn’t locked up by July 1st, “If he hits the market on July 1 and we still don’t have our situation resolved, who knows what another team could throw his way?” Don Maloney will also look to resign goaltending coach, Sean Burke as well as reworking both coach Dave Tippett and goaltender Mike Smith.
Forward Ray Whitney has accomplished a lot in his 20+ year NHL career; a Stanley Cup win in 2006, reaching the 1000 point career marker, and finishing up the season with 600+ assist points, and thats just naming a few. With a stellar season and unbelievable post season, the 40 year old Left-Winger they call the ‘Wizard’ isn’t ready to hang up the skates just yet.
Earlier today the 2012 NHL Entry Draft itinerary was released to the media and related parties. A noted event on the itinerary was a Board of Governors meeting set on June 19th. In researching for this article, I couldn’t find anything that listed a Board of Governors meeting this late in the hockey season.
Deal could be completed as soon as next week. More info soon
With the 2012 NHL Entry Draft only a week away things are about to heat up in the Coyotes’ camp. Aside from having a few Restricted free agents on the team, General Don Maloney will have his hands full with the six Non-Restricted free agents, one of those being team captain, Shane Doan. But free agency doesn’t start until July 1st, until then Don Maloney will only be having the Entry Draft on his mind.
