NHL Rumors: Jonathan Toews Attempting To Bring Shane Doan To Chicago?

Regardless of whether or not he ends up re-signing with the Phoenix Coyotes (as is still expected), Shane Doan is likely to be a hot commodity and fuel plenty of NHL rumors when he hits the market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

Despite the fact that he’s quite seasoned, at 35 years of age, Doan should draw plenty of interest, especially for contending teams looking to add a final piece, if they can pry him away from the desert. The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be among the teams in on Doan, and, given the current makeup of the roster, should be among the more serious suitors out there.

The Hawks have plenty of offense, which obviously goes without saying, and they also have plenty of the brawn up front. But they don’t really have anyone that is a bit of both. The type of guy that could fit into their top six. Shane Doan is that guy.

Doan is the kind of player that would fit well in the Hawks’ top six, adding the physical game up there, while not taking away from the offense in a way that other big guys currently on the Blackhawks’ roster might. He’s a solid two-way player and contributes more than just at full strength.

He can also contribute and bring some much needed help to the Hawks’ putrid power play, whether it’s being that big body in front of the net or blasting a shot from the point. He’s the type of guy that could contribute all over the ice and be a great guy to have in the locker room, as well.

It would appear that the fact that Shane Doan would be a great fit with this Blackhawks team isn’t any sort of secret to their players. Captain Jonathan Toews has apparently already reached out and spent the week pitching Chicago to Doan, as the two were both in town meeting with other members of the NHLPA.

There’s no guarantee Doan has any intention of leaving Phoenix. But he is going to test the waters in free agency and his future with the franchise could very well be up in the air. If he chooses to seek new opportunities elsewhere, he may find a home with the Chicago Blackhawks. It’d be a great fit, and the fact that Jonathan Toews has already reportedly spoke to him could go a long way if Doan is to end up jumping to the Windy City.