NHL Rumors: Shane Doan Holding off on Free Agency Decision Proves His Loyalty

Phoenix Coyotes' right winger Shane Doan continues to prove his loyalty to the organization after 16 years of playing in the desert.

TSN's hockey insider Darren Dreger tweeted about Doan's free agency situation earlier:

"

Ray Whitney will be a free agent today. Shane Doan will listen to interest, but won't decide on leaving Phx until the 9th.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2012"

Not so coincidentally, July 9th bears other significance in Phoenix:

"

By the way, July 9th is the earliest Jamison will know how close he is to Coyotes ownership.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2012"

Dreger is referring to Greg Jamison, the man who is looking to buy the Coyotes from the National Hockey League (h/t Indy Star).

Ownership situations are some of the most unsettling for a franchise to deal with. As of now, the Coyotes have much of an idea when Jamison will assume control, which is what Doan is waiting for.

Murky conditions in the front office typically distance players from their current teams, but Doan has showed his devotion to the Coyotes. Instead of bolting on day one of the free-agency period, Doan is sticking around for another week or so to give the front office some time to straighten itself out.

Many professional athletes today don't care about the organization they play for as much as they care about the payday they can receive when they leave for greener pastures.

The 35-year-old winger saw his teammate, Ray Whitney, bolt for the Dallas Stars on the first day of the NHL free-agency period (h/t Yahoo Sports). Yet he has decided to hold off on a decision until the Phoenix ownership situation is cleared up.

Whitney commented on his departure, according to Arizona Sports' Carter Nacke:

"I found in Phoenix, without an owner, we got stuck with some of the worst scheduling I've seen in 20 years."

That doesn't reflect well on the organization, but Doan is staying true to the team that drafted him seventh overall in 1995.

Doan is the Coyotes' longest-tenured player and face of the franchise. The Coyotes haven't always been the best team to watch throughout his career with the organization, but his loyalty is something to be commended.

He finished with 50 points for the Coyotes last season, good for third on the team. He was one of the leaders on the club that surprised some by winning the Pacific division with 97 points. One of the most underrated players in the league, Doan has scored at least 20 goals in 11 of the last 12 seasons.

It's nice to see Doan give his team a chance to retain him, but we'll have to wait and see if a hometown discount is in the works.