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Coyotes GM: Doan trade speculation 'slightly overblown'

Bruce Fedyck / USA Today Sports

Nothing is imminent on the Shane Doan trade front.

While the long-time Arizona Coyotes captain has admitted he'd be open to being moved prior to the trade deadline - albeit to a destination that "would have to be exactly perfect" - general manager John Chayka is seriously downplaying speculation on the matter.

"I haven’t had any discussions in the last several weeks now," Chayka said Wednesday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “And like I said ... I think (trade talk) is slightly overblown.

"A month away (from the trade deadline), it’s not something that’s pressing on either side," he continued. "So we’re just focused on our own team here in terms of improving in the short-term and the long-term."

Doan, 40, has been with the Coyotes franchise for the entirety of his career, dating back to the Winnipeg days. The closest he's come to a Stanley Cup, however, was a rather surprising Conference Finals appearance in 2012.

Still, that doesn't mean Doan is intent on playing for a contender in the latter stages of his career, although there is time for trade talk to heat up.

"As of now, he’s happy to be a Coyote, and we’re certainly happy to have him, and he’s not planning on leaving anytime soon," Chayka said. "But, at the same time, we’re not trending toward the playoffs and, if there’s a perfect spot that comes up, then maybe he’d be open to considering it."

Doan has recorded four goals and 11 assists in 49 games this season.

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