Ray Whitney gets 2-year, $9 million payday at age 40 with Dallas Stars

While Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan says he will wait until July 9 decide on whether or not he returns, teammate Ray Whitney has chosen to leave.

The 40-year old forward signed a 2-year, $9 million deal with the Dallas Stars coming off a 77-point season, tied for second best of his long NHL career.

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, Whitney's contract includes "no-move clause and modified no-trade clause. He can suplly [sic] 10 team list upon request. $1 mil in bonus. $8 mil salary".

Whitney was the Coyotes' leading scorer this past season and despite his increasing age, he felt he could still cash in on a rich deal, as he told the Arizona Republic's Sarah McLellan this week:

"Production-wise they always say the older you get, you're going to fall off," Whitney said. "Eventually they're going to be right, but they haven't been. ... I've performed well enough the last five years to warrant a contract that's deserving of it."

Back in 2010, Whitney was a pending UFA and trade bait around the deadline, but teams were scared off by his desire for an extension if he were to waive his no-trade clause at the time. What do they say about fine wine again?

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy