People thought you were actually going to play somewhere else? Yeah, okay. (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

As a professional writer, you are supposed to stick to the facts and not let your feelings get in the way. Sometimes you need to make an exception.

Told you so.

Okay, I feel better now. Honestly, I think everyone knew Shane Doan wasn’t leaving the Coyotes. His heart is in the desert. It’s been there since the day he moved there sixteen years ago and it was going to take more than the threat of the team not being sold to get him out of town.

That said, could this mean there is good news coming on that front as well? Nevermind, Coyotes fans shouldn’t push their luck today.

He did surprise me by sticking with his latest deadline of September 15th. Earlier this week, word was he wanted the contract in before the league offices closed at 5pm EST today. News came out that he was staying at 4:50pm EST. Nothing like waiting until the last minute to tell everyone something they knew months ago.

Per Sarah McLellan of AZCentral, the contract is for four years, $21.2 million and includes a $2 million signing bonus. In other words, Shane Doan will retire a Coyote, exactly as he should.

Congrats Coyotes fans! At least one fanbase received good news today. Unfortunately no word as to when the first game of his new contract will be…