Report: Coyotes name new captain

When you think of the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes you think of Shane Doan. The longtime Coyotes captain has become synonymous with the franchise that he has spent his entire career with, a career that has lasted over 20 years. But with yesterday’s news that general manager John Chayka has decided to withhold a contract offer to Doan and move on from the 40 year-old franchise player, fans will have to get used to the idea of a new player wearing the C in Arizona. 

That player? Oliver Edman-Larsson. The 25 year-old defenseman was offered the team’s ultimate leadership position yesterday and early reports are that he has or will accept the position. 

Sarah McLellan of azcentral sports reports:

Doan was thanked for his service and time, the source said, explaining that the organization is "getting rid of everything old and going in a different direction." Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be named captain, the source said

Ekman-Larsson has been with the Coyotes since 2009 and is clearly the team’s best player. It’s hard to argue wit the decision, but that won’t prevent some Coyotes fans from harboring strong emotions regardless.