PHOENIX – The possibility of the Arizona Coyotes returning to the NHL just became considerably more personal. According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, Shane Doan could be heavily involved with one of the two groups interested in bringing the Coyotes back to Arizona.
Apr 8, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes former player Craig Cunningham (22) returns to the ice after collapsing on the ice earlier this season during a minor league game and and drops the ceremonial first puck between Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) and Minnesota Wild center Martin Hanzal (19) at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Doan could be involved with the return of the Arizona Coyotes:
Darren Dreger: Re NHL expansion: Apparently Phoenix has a couple of groups that seem willing and pretty eager that NHL head office was openly acknowledging; I would believe Shane Doan would be involved in one of those two groups – Morning Show/McKenna & Starr (9/23)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 30, 2026
That development matters because few people are more synonymous with Arizona hockey than Doan. Doan spent 21 seasons with the franchise, playing 1,540 regular-season games and recording 972 points. He served as captain for more than a decade and remains one of the most recognizable figures in Arizona sports history. His involvement would also build on work already happening within his family. Andrea Doan was named chair of Maricopa County’s Advisory Panel on Pro Hockey to Arizona in 2025, placing her at the center of the effort to bring professional hockey back to the Valley.
Andrea Doan hugs her husband Shane Doan as he receives a standing ovation during his jersey retirement ceremony at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 24, 2019. © Patrick Breen/The Republic
Now, Shane potentially being involved with an ownership group gives the revival effort another layer. The timing also makes practical sense. Doan and the Toronto Maple Leafs parted ways in May after three seasons as a special adviser to the general manager. He originally joined Toronto in June 2023, working in hockey operations after previously holding executive roles with the Coyotes and Hockey Canada. That leaves Doan with considerably more freedom to devote time toward Arizona’s hockey future.
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes fans cheer as Josh Doan (91), Aku Raty (85) Matias Maccelli
(63) Nick Schmaltz (8) Alexander Kerfoot (15) react following the final game as the Arizona Coyotes against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
For Coyotes fans, this is bigger than another name being attached to a potential ownership group. It is the possibility of the franchise’s most recognizable ambassador helping lead the push to bring NHL hockey home. The arena situation remains the central hurdle. But if Arizona eventually gets another NHL opportunity, having Doan involved could give the effort something money alone cannot buy: a direct connection to the fans who never stopped wanting their team back.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
