After taking a job in the Toronto Maple Leafs front office, Shane Doan voices his optimism for the Coyotes future in Arizona
Despite leaving the organization, former Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan remains confident in professional hockey remaining in the Valley.
Doan officially took a job with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a special advisor to General Manager Brad Treliving on Friday but made clear that he did not leave Arizona because of the Coyotes rejected proposed Sports and Entertainment District.
“This has nothing to do with that,” Doan told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo. “…this was more of an opportunity that came up with a friend in a spot that it doesn’t come up very often.”
Treliving served as an assistant GM for the Coyotes back in 2003 so he has a pre-existing relationship and long lasting friendship with Doan.
Just as any die-hard hockey fan in Arizona, Doan was devastated to see the Coyotes proposed new arena rejected but still remains optimistic about the team’s chances staying in the Desert moving forward.
“I’m beyond disappointed that it didn’t go through,” Doan said. “That being said, I think that this city is way too good of a market and way too good of a situation for the NHL to leave.”
Doan’s optimism speaks volumes as he is close with multiple people in the Coyotes organization and was highly engaged in the search for a new arena throughout this past season.
“This is a city that you come to,” Doan said. This isn’t a city that you leave. I know the organization and the league is in a tough situation trying to find a building. I think (Coyotes president & CEO Xavier Gutierrez) will continue to search to find a building that will work and the team will be OK here. I really do.”