Huh? He’s sure got a funny way of showing it. Signing a maximum length extension seems at odds with your doubts.
I fully realize I'm splitting hairs here (and really, isn't that #OnBrand for me anyway?
), but to me OEL feels
comfortable being a Coyote rather than being
happy to be a Coyote.
The distinction, for me, is this. Shane Doan's entire professional identity was "Captain Coyote," and he was this franchise's biggest proselytizer and booster. He proactively worked with the league to help the team stay here. He considered, and still considers, Arizona to be his home. His enthusiasm for Arizona and the Coyotes was undeniable and infectious.
OEL, to me, seems content to be playing for this team. He's got a good situation, a good contract, a nice place to live. He's willing to go out and perform community service, meet fans, the whole bit. He's got great stability in his professional life for a reasonable price for both him and the franchise. But if the team moved to Houston, I don't feel like he would break a sweat. When his season's over, he goes back home to Sweden, and that's where he's going to go when he's done with the game. I think he would like being a Canuck or a Jet or a Blackhawk just as much as he likes being a Coyote.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that Doan made the Coyotes and Arizona his life, and OEL is basically at a job he likes. I fully realize that Doan's bar is one that almost nobody can reach. But I think in terms of aligning one's identity with one's team and market, to me OEL has always kept a bit of distance between himself and the Coyotes and Arizona. Maybe my opinion is colored by the fact that he's shy and still struggles with English - that might give an erroneous impression that he's remote when he really isn't. Like I said, it's my opinion and I'm probably just splitting hairs.
EDIT: I should add that I think Yandle would have been Doan 2.0 if we hadn't traded him. But based on what he's said since the trade, I think he's been disabused of his idealism by now. He may come back here after his career is over but only for the Scottsdale nightlife.