The Arizona Coyotes earned at least one dope’s vote as winners for the Martin Hanzal trade, but on deadline day itself, they received plenty of criticism for failing to move Shane Doan and Radim Vrbata.
... At least Vrbata’s glad to stay.
“I’m happy,” Vrbata said. “There was a reason why I signed here, and I wanted to finish the season here. I’m glad nothing happened.”
Vrbata’s best numbers have come with the Coyotes, with the 2016-17 season being another nice campaign for him. It’s a good thing for his family and it must be noted that the structure of his contract likely factored into a lack of move.
Have to assume his playoff bonuses scared a few teams off, especially those who were up against the ceiling & didn't want to risk an overage https://t.co/peyHqL2zmo
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) March 1, 2017
Now, the Coyotes not moving Shane Doan? That’s a bit of a different story, maybe.
Maybe.
Shane Doan (laughing) on not being traded/staying w/AZ: "Not a big market for a 40-year-old, 4th liner who only wants to go to a contender."
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) March 1, 2017
For some, that’s a letdown, especially since the Colorado Avalanche managed to find a home for Jarome Iginla.
Still, when you ponder teams staying idle with certain players, it’s tempting to dream up GMs being offered stacks of assets for such targets, only to do nothing. But, really, how much was on the table for Doan and others? Ultimately, Coyotes GM John Chayka decided that the answer was “not enough.”
Chayka on "quiet" trade deadline day: "I didn't think it was quiet. I made a lot of calls, had a lot of discussions."https://t.co/AbFlfl2W0Z
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 1, 2017