It appears that Shane Doan is finally ready to think about life after the Phoenix Coyotes as the franchise continues to wage its battle for existence in Arizona.
The thirty-something captain of the Coyotes was waiting until this week to begin fielding offers elsewhere. He's considered a valuable commodity on the market given his leadership and an ability score 20-plus goals while playing with toughness at both ends of the ice.
Unfortunately for the Bruins, Doan isn't considering Boston as a potential landing spot, according to a source with knowledge of his situation.
Instead, Doan is looking to stay in the Western Conference to be close to his family. The San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Doan.
The stalwart winger still has plenty left in the tank, and is seeking a four-to-five-year deal that should take him to the end of his career.
The Bruins have been interested in upgrading with a veteran forward this summer, but Peter Chiarelli hasn't found the right fit in free agency for that "Recchi-type." Veteran free agents this season largely haven't been interested in wearing Black and Gold. Both Ray Whitney and Doan would have been perfect fits for the Bruins, but Boston simply isn't geographically desirable for some players.
It appears increasingly likely that the Bruins will start the season with 21-year-old Jordan Caron penciled into the third line winger role with competition in training camp from Chris Bourque, Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner.
Boston Bruins
There's always still the chance Chiarelli and Co. pull off a deal for a veteran forward who wants to be in Boston rather than attempt to sell the city to players that are looking elsewhere for NHL jobs.