Shane Doan is still floating in free-agent limbo, but the New York Rangers have emerged as the favourite to land the star forward.

Doan has spent all 16 years of his NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets turned Phoenix Coyotes franchise, but could potentially find a new home before the 2012-13 season.

On Tuesday, Doan’s agent Terry Bross confirmed to New York Daily News
that the 34-year-old has only met with three teams: The Vancouver Canucks, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Rangers.

Doan has a relationship with multiple members of New York’s coaching staff, which is one factor signaling them as the front-runner.

Another significant factor is the Rangers’ signing of Rick Nash, further cementing their status as a serious Stanley Cup contender.

The current inactivity surrounding Doan stems from his desire to wait out the pending sale of the franchise. Doan wants to avoid leaving the Coyotes, only to have them ultimately remain in Arizona.

Bross confirmed that there is currently a four-year deal worth at least $7 million per season on the table, but Doan remains steadfast in his decision to wait out the team’s potential buyers in order to avoid uprooting his family.

The Canucks may appeal to the Doan family, as his wife grew up in the area and they own a vacation house in Kamloops, B.C.

Despite scoring his lowest point total (50) last year since the 2001-02 season, Doan remains highly sought after by several teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators.

For now, Doan will wait and hope the team’s prospective buyer can get the $20 million he needs to move the team to Glendale and keep them close to home.