NHL Free Agency: Shane Doan Would Be Nice Consolation Prize to Zach Parise

If you're not a team called the Minnesota Wild, that means you lost out on Zach Parise.

But that doesn't mean you can't land someone of high impact. Someone like, say, Shane Doan.

The Phoenix Coyotes captain last season is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and plenty of suitors have lined up for his services, including the New York Rangers.

The veteran forward's agent told the New York Post on Tuesday:

"

I don’t want to be specific about what teams those are, but there are no restrictions against negotiating with teams in the East ... or the one in Manhattan.

"

Well, that sounds rather specific to me, but, anyway, the point is, there's a reason why there are several teams going after Doan. 

The 35-year-old has not only exhibited the leadership skills to lead a team to the Western Conference finals, he was pretty darn productive in 2011-2012, racking up 50 points in the regular season (22 goals, 28 assists) and nine points in the playoffs (five goals, four assists). Doan may be 35 years old, but he's still solid on the ice.

Doan won't make his decision until at least July 9, but you can be assured that he will be garnering plenty of buzz up until then, including from the Coyotes. He's no Zach Parise, but he's still a player any team would love to have, especially those in position to contend next season.

A great deal of teams around the league are hoping Doan loses interest in Phoenix and can heat up the ice for them in 2012-2013.