Water under the bridge? Club calls Doan a 'Coyote for life'

The Arizona Coyotes apparently want to put their awkward split from Shane Doan behind them.

"On behalf of the entire Arizona Coyotes organization, our fans and our corporate partners, we would like to thank Shane for everything that he's done for our franchise over the past 21 years," the club said in a statement following Doan's retirement Wednesday.

"Shane had an incredible career on the ice and we are very proud of everything that he accomplished in a Coyotes uniform," the team added.

"He will be remembered as one of the greatest captains in NHL history. Off the ice, Shane was a great ambassador for growing the game of hockey in Arizona and his contributions to the community are immeasurable. Shane will be a Coyote for life. Thank you, Captain!"

Coyotes owner Andrew Barroway revealed back in mid-June that his club would not be offering its longtime captain a contract for the upcoming season, saying the following at the time:

"The time has come for us to move on and to focus on our young, talented group of players and our very bright future. This was a very difficult decision given what Shane has done for the Coyotes and his unparalleled importance to the organization. With that said, this is necessary to move us forward as a franchise."

Barroway followed that up by insisting that not offering the veteran of 21 seasons a new deal was "the right hockey decision," and Doan responded saying he wasn't expecting the team to let him walk as a free agent, before making it clear that it was the owner's call to move on.

But the Coyotes were in full gratitude mode after the 40-year-old's retirement announcement Wednesday, sharing a video tribute and adding a simple "thank you" message in a follow-up tweet.