Blackhawks not the only suitor for Doan's services

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The questions posed to Shane Doans agent, Terry Bross, were as succinct as you can get. Have the Chicago Blackhawks expressed interest in his client, Coyotes forward Shane Doan? And is Doan interested in the Blackhawks?

Bross response, via email: Yes and yes.

Thats the good news for Blackhawks, who would certainly benefit from the veteran Doan donning their jersey. The bad news? The Blackhawks are one of many suitors vying for the 35-year-olds services. Count Detroit, Vancouver, San Jose, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Montreal and Chicago among the interested teams. Doan, according to his agents emails to various reporters today, has mutual interest in a few of those teams (including the Wings, Canucks, Sharks and Blackhawks).

And Doan could still end up staying with Phoenix. Hes been loyal to the franchise through thick, thin and one relocation (when the old Winnipeg Jets relocated to the desert) and could remain with the Coyotes if their ownership situation shows any semblance of being more settled.

Confused yet?

To make a soon-to-be-long story short, Doan has plenty of interest and options, and for good reason. A tremendous player whos been durable and dependable throughout his career, Doan would be a great addition for any team.

Yes, hes a wing, and the Blackhawks have plenty of those. I used this space last week to say thats why the Blackhawks shouldnt go after Zach Parise, who signed with the Minnesota Wild on July 4. But the 6-foot-2, 228-pound Doan brings the size the Blackhawks needParise is 5-11, 195. Doan will go into the dirty areas, something the Blackhawks have missed since Andrew Ladd was sent packing. And he can play either wingand with Joel Quennevilles line-changing propensity, just think of the possibilities.

The Blackhawks would be a good option for Doan. Problem is, there are a lot of good options for a great player. Some teams such as Vancouver and Detroit have reportedly been laying the groundwork to land Doan since last week, and may have the inside track.

Should the Blackhawks make every attempt to land Doan? Should Doan consider the Blackhawks?

Yes and yes.

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