Shane Doan reveals that he will be involved in the Auston Matthews negotiations
You know things are bad when your franchise icon, a player who spent his entire career with your organization, decides to leave your front office amidst all the rumours of relocation. Shane Doan had spent the last few seasons in the front office of the Arizona Coyotes as Director of Hockey Administration but has now joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as Special Advisor to the General Manager.
The Leafs are undergoing several changes in the makeup and foundation of their front office as well, as newly-minted GM Brad Treliving is adding his people, while Kyle Dubas is undoubtedly hiding behind the bushes looking to pick up some of his old hires for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It's no secret that Toronto is in need of changes on the ice as well because the formula has not worked for well over 5 years. The core members have been under the spotlight more so than ever before after a disappointing 5-game defeat to the Florida Panthers in the second round. Not only was it originally seen as the better series in contrast to the alternative - the Boston Bruins - but it almost seemed like they finally had an easier route to the Finals.
The core members went silent at the worst time and now they need to answer the bell. Auston Matthews and William Nylander will be playing on expiring contracts, while John Tavares and Mitch Marner each have 2 years remaining on their contracts. If changes are to take place in Toronto, you'd have to imagine it starts with the 4 aforementioned stars.
Doan, however, sees the potential that they carry and is willing to help out as much as possible to see this through:
"You have to figure out a way to take that next step. There's a lot of things on the roster that are really, really good... but there's always things you can improve"
It doesn't seem like Brendan Shanahan and company are ready to tear down the foundations just yet and Shane Doan shares that very same sentiment. In fact he is relatively close with Matthews and they share a special bond and friendship with the latter being from Arizona.
Doan on his relationship with Matthews and his willingness to help the team secure his services for the long-haul during the Matthews negotiations:
"I enjoy and admire him. The way he's handled himself has been incredible and we have a great relationship. I'll be involved in helping Brad and helping the organization in any way possible. And if I can help in that area, I'll help. But at the same time, that'll be [Matthews'] decision."
Doan will always be remembered for his services for the Coyotes both as a player and his loyalty till the day he retired. He never wavered and he wanted to be a Coyote till the bitter end. Now with Toronto, he has been welcomed with open arms as Matthew Knies has already dropped off a present after hearing the news of his hiring, a number 23 jersey. Doan will look to get to work as soon as possible and help one of the biggest markets in all of hockey succeed:
"You can't ignore the fact that it's where hockey is so huge, and the ability to be there and everything they've done to create the Leafs, is special."
| POLL | ||
10 JUIN | 307 ANSWERS Shane Doan reveals that he will be involved in the Auston Matthews negotiations Will Shane Doan be able to help convince Matthews to sign for 8 years? | ||
| Yes | 139 | 45.3 % |
| No | 168 | 54.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
