Sundin, 37, had been one of the most sought-after free agents this year, but spent the summer and early autumn mulling his future plans before apparently deciding to gear up for a return to the NHL.

Shanahan, 39, had spent the same period vainly awaiting a contract offer from the Rangers before recently deciding to tell his agent to seek out offers from other clubs.

Most NHL teams have already committed most of their available cap space for this season, leaving considerably little room for these two. Still, that hasn't prevented pundits from guessing where Sundin and Shanahan will eventually sign.

Recent reports suggest the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks could have varying degrees of interest in Sundin.

The Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues — as well as the Blackhawks, Canadiens and Flyers — are rumored pursuing Shanahan.