Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Don't Plan On Doan

July 10, 2012, 11:44 PM ET [858 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
According to an article in yesterday’s Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs have made preliminary inquiries about veteran free agent winger Shane Doan, along with about half the league.

According to Doan’s agent Terry Bross, who appeared on the FAN 590’s Prime Time Sports Monday afternoon, indicated that the 35 year old team captain of the Phoenix Coyotes has received interest from “15 or 16” teams and in spite of his preference to stay with the franchise that drafted him back in 1995, the constant instability of the ownership situation in Arizona is forcing his hand.

Doan would undoubtedly fill the bill when it comes to the Leafs need to add a veteran leader to bolster team captain Dion Phaneuf, as well as adding toughness, scoring ability and character to the young squad, but in spite of their level of interest, Toronto appears to be the wrong fit for the winger in the last few years of his career.

In spite of chaos off the ice, the Coyotes enjoyed great playoff success in 2012 getting to within two games of the Stanley Cup Final; the furthest post-season advancement of Doan’s 16 year career.

It has been widely speculated that the teams he would be willing to sign with are limited to those who have a legitimate chance to win a championship in the next couple years, not a team who will be fighting to get into the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

Toronto’s plans for changes to their roster are likely on hold until Doan's destination has been determined, since he and the enigmatic Alexander Semin are the top two impact forwards left in the free agent pool and are most teams Plan B option who were interested in Zach Parise.

The opportunity to add an impact player will almost certainly come via trade and may be linked to players who are restricted free agents or are one year away from unrestricted free agency.

Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf continues to be the logical focal point for Toronto’s crying need for a front line center, as he enters the final year of his five year, $26.6 Million deal. The Blues may be willing to part with RFA center/winger T.J. Oshie. After being unable to lock him up on a long term deal last season, Oshie scored a career high 54 points and will be in line for a hefty raise from his $2.35 Million salary in 2012.

If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.

For Those on Twitter:


KINDLE USERS: Please sign up for Maple Leafs Buzz, which includes a free-of-charge 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month afterwards. For more information click here.
Join the Discussion: » 858 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Mike Augello
» Matthews Game-Time Decision; 2023 Draftees Update; Leafs vs. Capitals
» Leafs Frustrated And Immature In Loss To Devils
» Practicing Load Management Down The Stretch; Leafs vs. Devils
» Woll Wonderful In Loss To Canes; Keefe Downplaying Samsonov Injury
» Podcast Sunday – Off The Post Radio