After months of the speculation, Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan re-signed with the only franchise he’s ever known. Doan inked a four-year, $21M deal to stay with Phoenix, NHL.com reports.

The 35-year-old Halkirk, Alberta native had considered signing elsewhere, but it was apparent that his first choice was to remain in Phoenix, provided the ownership situation was resolved.

While Phoenix does not yet have a stable ownership situation, Doan decided that he could wait no longer, inking the four-year deal in the face of a looming lockout, a lockout that would have prevented him from resigning until it was over, and one that would have likely dimished Doan’s value, given his age.

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By Arun Morace