New York Rangers: Why Shane Doan isn’t a fit on Broadway
The New York Rangers will undoubtedly be prowling the free agent waters this offseason. Shane Doan is someone they will want to stay away from.
With the Rangers looking to make offseason roster moves, Shane Doan’s name has popped into the mix. Doan’s time with the Coyotes is up after 21 seasons for Arizona and he will be looking for a new team. This is why the Rangers should steer clear.
Issues Elsewhere
While Shane Doan is an attractive name, that may be all he is right now. At 40 it’s safe to say his best days are behind him. Doan is a right winger who would certainly keep the Rangers deep through all four lines. However, the problem is the Rangers don’t need a winger, they need a center.
The Rangers center’s, if nothing changes next season would be: Derek Stepan, Mika Zibanejad, Kevin Hayes and a big ‘ole question mark left by the absence of Oscar Lindberg. Now, rumors are swirling that Stepan may be moved as well. If money is spent on forwards, it needs to support the middle of the ice.
Furthermore, the defense was the primary reason why New York didn’t get past Ottawa. The only two sure-fire defensemen on the roster at the moment are Ryan McDonagh and Brady Skjei. Outside of that the Rangers need work. Doan doesn’t fit in the offseason needs.
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Save That Money
Doan won’t come cheap. Just looking at players of similar stature and notoriety around the league you can get a sense of what Doan may be paid.
Jarome Iginla and Jaromir Jagr have been paid well over two million dollar contracts at similar points in their careers. The Rangers currently have just over 13 million dollars in cap space for next season and that money is better spent somewhere else.
Defense is the issue and the Rangers have options. Two names at the top are Kevin Shattenkirk and Brendan Smith. Resigning Smith would take at least $3.5 to $4.5 million per and you can bet Shattenkirk will be closer to the $6 to $6.5 million range.
Either way, money should be spent on the defense. If the team really feels they need forward help, look within. The Rangers have enough prospects- maybe not the greatest ones- but enough to fill fourth line gap if needed.
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Just Doan’t Do It
Right now the Rangers are the ninth youngest team in the league. The forward group is youthful and has boatloads of upside. Doan won’t fit in. It isn’t just because Doan played in Arizona that his numbers have been bottoming off. Age certainly has to be considered at this point.
Not many players peak after 40 (If anyone did it was Gordie Howe, I kid). Last year’s six goals and 27 points may be a blip on the radar. I’m inclined to believe it’s more than that. Doan scored 28 goals and had 47 points the year before on a Arizona team that wasn’t much better. All signs point to the possibility of a massive disappointment if Doan is signed.
Next: Rangers Free Agent Targets
Once again, the Rangers have an opportunity to contend for the Stanely Cup. However, this offseason will be crucial in determining if that will happen. If it is to happen, signings like Doan can’t.
The production can’t be guaranteed. The cost will probably be too high and Doan just doesn’t fit a position of need.