Unrestricted free agent Shane Doan has visited with both the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Although the Phoenix Coyotes captain has repeatedly stated that his first choice is to remain in the desert, he is actively exploring his other options this off-season.

“I’ve made no bones about the fact that I want to go back to Phoenix if the situation works out,” Doan reminded media Thursday.

Philly.com says Doan’s latest visit was with the Flyers on Saturday. Though both sides have mutual interest, the meeting was described as Doan “just checking his options.”

Doan met with the Rangers on Friday, according to Arizonasports.com, and the New York Daily News said it was Doan’s first official visit of free agency. Doan was in the Big Apple to attend an NHL-NHLPA labour meeting.

Doan’s camp was hoping to hear reassurance from prospective Coyotes buyer Greg Jamison by the end of the week that his bid to purchase the in-limbo franchise was still progressing, reports the Arizona Republic.

A reported 16 teams have expressed interest in Doan. Six of them, including the Vancouver Canucks, are said to have made formal offers.

“We’re still trying to decide which other visits he’s going to take,” said Doan’s agent, Terry Bross. “We’re mulling that over right now.”

Bross told the newspaper that although he’s been getting ownership-bid updates from Coyotes general manager Don Maloney, he and Doan have not heard from Jamison directly.

Hence, Doan’s meetings with the Flyers and Rangers.

“When we get the news, whether it’s good or bad, at least we’ll be prepared,” Bross said. “Otherwise we’ll have to take a week to make a decision. If we find out it doesn’t happen, then we’re behind the eight-ball trying to go visit teams and make a decision.

“Let’s get them out of the way now. If it works (with the Coyotes), great. If it doesn’t, we’ve got a feel for the other places.”