GLENDALE – Coyotes captain Shane Doan is thrilled to be reunited with center Daymond Langkow, whom Phoenix re-acquired Monday in a trade with the Calgary Flames.

Doan and Langkow were roommates on road trips during Langkow’s first stint with the Coyotes from 2001-04. They formed a bond that has stood the test of time and then some.

“I really can’t express how excited I am,” Doan said. “It’s hard with trades. To give up (Lee Stempniak) is tough because he’s been so big for us the past few years and was a huge asset. Losing him hurts, but at the same time getting Daymond is a big step for us. We needed a centerman to come in here and to have him come in here is huge.”

Doan knows Langkow well. Not only were they roommates, they were linemates, at times, during Langkow’s first stay with Phoenix. On top of that, they were drafted into the NHL less than 30 minutes apart in 1995; Tampa Bay selected Langkow with the fifth overall pick and Winnipeg chose Doan with the seventh overall pick.

Doan said he believes Langkow will be able to contribute greatly in 2011-12 despite having played only four games for Calgary in 2010-11 because of a neck injury.

“He’s in incredible shape,” Doan said. “The guy is just a freak of an athlete and he will fit perfectly into (Dave) Tippett’s style of play because he does all of the little things. I really don’t think you could pick someone else who would fit better into Tipp’s style than Daymond. And in the room, he’s one of the best guys I’ve ever played with.”

Langkow played all but three games during his three seasons with Phoenix. He notched 20 or more goals and 50-plus points in all three seasons.

Reach Dave Vest at
thedesertdogblog@phoenixcoyotes.com and follow him on Twitter @davest4yotes.
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