NHL free agency: Top 25 players available
23. Shane Doan
Shane Doan is this year’s Ray Bourque. He’s at the twilight of his career, with likely a season or two remaining at best. The next team Doan plays for will be just the second of his career, after spending the first 21 seasons with the Arizona Coyotes franchise. How old is he? Doan played for the Winnipeg Jets. No, not the current ones. The old ones.
Despite his old age, Doan can still bring some qualities to the table. He would have to accept at best a third line role, and most likely a fourth line one. Doan would also have to accept a pay cut, assuming he wants to play for a contender. Just about every serious Stanley Cup hopeful either has salary cap issues already or will most likely have some.
Doan will play his heart out, as he’s looking to retire a Stanley Cup champion. He’s still very solid defensively and as recently as 2015-16, was pretty productive. Doan is, however, coming off a down year, during which he only had six goals.
Best fits: Marc Bergevin loves guys like him, so don’t be surprised if Doan’s wearing a Montreal Canadiens sweater next season. He’s an Alberta boy, making the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames natural fits for him.