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Parise, Suter holding Flyers hostage

Left winger Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter, the prized players in this year's free-agent market, are taking their sweet time before selecting their teams.

As a result, numerous teams are being held hostage, including the Flyers.

"We're just focused on the two free agents," said one Flyers executive when asked if the team had made any headway in trade talks for Anaheim's Bobby Ryan or Columbus' Rick Nash.

Parise had said he expected to make a decision sometime Monday, but at about 5 p.m. he announced he needed more time to discuss the situation with his family. He may announce his choice on Tuesday.

Suter is also still mulling over his options.

The Flyers have reportedly made 12-year deals to both players for more than $80 million each.

Like the other teams in the free-agent sweepstakes, the Flyers are playing a waiting game and trying to be patient.

They "truly don't know" where they stand with the free agents, said one source close to the situation.

Parise told reporters he needed to feel more comfortable before making his choice.

"It's such a long-term, important decision, you have to make sure you look at everything," he said.

Suter's decision is also holding up Matt Carle's selection. Carle's agent does not want his client to sign until Suter makes his pick. After Suter makes his choice, Carle figures to move up the ranks on some teams' wish lists.

On Twitter, fans were getting impatient.

Tweeted mindofbrian: open heart surgery is done faster than #Parise picking a team. #thisguysisntGretzky.

Tweeted adameagle13: someone tell parise and suter to hurry up. Checking twitter every 2 mins is making me an unproductive employee #parisewatch

Parise's agent issued a statement saying the LW wants to step back and review options with his fiance and his family.

Doan Watch. If the Flyers don't land Parise, they may make a pitch for Phoenix's Shane Doan, a dependable 6-foot-1, 228-pound right winger who scored 22 goals last season.

Doan, who will turn 36 just before the season, will not sign until July 9, by which time it should be known if the Coyotes will stay in Phoenix. His first choice is to sign with Phoenix and spend his 17th season with the team.

Doan has scored at least 20 goals in 11 of the last 12 seasons.

The Flyers are still in the hunt for Jaromir Jagr; the 40-year-old RW is reportedly seeking $4 million per season after making $3.3 million last year.

* * *

Here is how the Flyers may look next season and the gaps they are trying to fill:

Line 1: Hartnell-Giroux-XXXXX.

Line 2: Read-Briere-Simmonds.

Line 3: Talbot-Couturier-Voracek.

Line 4: Rinaldo-B.Schenn-Wellwood

DEFENSE

Coburn-Grossman.

Timonen-Meszaros.

L. Schenn-XXXXXXXX.

GOALIES

Bryzgalov-Leighton.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.