Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Auston Matthews is one of many who was taken aback by the Arizona Coyotes' announcement last week that the team is moving on from longtime captain Shane Doan.
Matthews - a nominee for the Calder Trophy at Wednesday's NHL Awards - grew up in Arizona and cheered for the Coyotes, particularly Doan, making the 19-year-old that much more crestfallen about the news.
"I loved him growing up," Matthews said, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "He was my idol. Then getting to know him, he's such an unbelievable person. As good as he is on the ice, the person he is off the ice really exemplifies everything about him. I'm pretty sad to see it, but he gives it his all and he's been with that organization for 21 years and he's made a big impact on and off the ice."
Luckily for Matthews, he was able to share a special moment with Doan earlier in the season. Matthews took the opening faceoff against Doan during Toronto's visit to Arizona in December and later in the game watched the 40-year-old score his 400th career goal.
Report: Coyotes offer Doan front-office job
On the bright side, it appears the veteran of 1,540 games plans to join a contending team to challenge for his first career Stanley Cup, meaning his playing days aren't over just yet.
Heck, maybe Toronto could fit the bill. At least one player would be open to the idea.
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