G.M. Don Mahoney: Coyotes captain Shane Doan will test free agency

Doan and the Coyotes both want to continue their relationship, but the captain could be priced out of Phoenix. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

He’s been associated with the Phoenix Coyotes (ne Winnipeg Jets) franchise for so long that no one could see this coming. But general manager Don Mahoney confirmed on the NHL Live radio program on Tuesday that team captain Shane Doan will test the free agent market starting on Sunday.

Maloney added that he is optimistic that a deal will get done to retain Doan, according to Sarah McLennan of the Arizona Republic.

Doan had previously said that he wants to remain a Coyote but will listen to what other teams have to say.

Doan, 35, has spent every one of his 17 seasons with Winnipeg/Phoenix and is the only remaining Coyote to have been a Jet. He is coming off a five-year, $22.75 million contract, and his 50 points (22 goals) was his lowest output in 10 seasons.

Doan is considered one of hockey’s best leaders (he is a two-time captain of Team Canada at the world championships), and another franchise might be willing to overlook his sliding production to add the intangibles he brings to the locker room. He has 318 goals and 788 points in 1,198 career games.