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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Shane Doan, counted on to take a bigger
offensive load for the rebuilding Phoenix Coyotes, signed a
three-year, $7.2 million contract with the team on Tuesday.
Doan matched his career high with 26 goals in 76 games last
season. He also set career highs in assists (37), points (63) and
power play goals (6).
Doan was the Coyotes' top pick, and seventh selection overall,
in the 1995 entry draft.
"He's emerging in the league as one of the top-notch young
players," general manager Cliff Fletcher said. "Hopefully, this
year and in years ahead, he'll take his game to a higher plateau."
Doan, 24, is entering his sixth season with the Coyotes. With
the departure of Keith Tkachuk and Jeremy Roenick, Doan knows his
role with the team will be larger.
"Everybody's role is going to be a lot bigger," he said. "My
personal role is going to be a lot bigger with Keith and J.R. gone,
but everybody's going to have to step it up."
Last year was the first time that the Coyotes have failed to
reach the playoffs since Doan began playing for the franchise in
1995.
"It's an awful feeling," he said.
He said that just because the team is young is no excuse for it
not to make the playoffs next season.
"Edmonton is going younger. Vancouver's got a young team, and
both of those teams made the playoffs last year," Doan said.
"There's no excuse for us not to make the playoffs."
The signing was crucial to the Coyotes' plans for the coming
season, Fletcher said.
"It's very important for us, particularly this offseason, with
the changes that have been made dating back to when we acquired the
team in the middle of February," he said. "The last thing you
want are players unsigned as you approach training camp."
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