Don’t describe Marian Gaborik as soft. An NHL source who requested anonymity while talking with Sports Headliners scoffed at the accusation that the Minnesota Wild’s best goal scorer isn’t tough enough to play through injuries.
Gaborik has missed 22 games this season because of what’s been described as a “lower body” injury. The source believes the problem is a groin injury, something that has plagued the extraordinary 26-year-old wing in the past.
“Groin…(injuries) aren’t the kind of thing where you can play with some pain,” the source said. “You might have a little pain in your shoulder or something, and you should be able to tolerate that probably. But if you explode when you skate the way he does, and it keeps getting pulled. …It’s hard for him because I am sure he’s leery because it’s happened so many times. …”
Gaborik is a free agent after this season. From various reports contract talks are at an impasse with all concerned.
The situation seems like a mess. Gaborik’s latest injury and past problems (for example, he missed 34 games with a groin injury during the 2006-07 season and earlier in his career was out for awhile because of an injured hip) taint his reputation to be available either to the Wild or another team. Presumably Gaborik, who also had a groin problem last season, has lost leverage with both the length and compensation of a new contract. The Wild, in need of goal scorers, must contemplate how much Gaborik will be available to them this season, and if at all in future seasons. Also, what value will he have in a trade?
A declining American economy and falling Canadian dollar contribute to the situation, too. Plus, the source suspects there are hard feelings between the Wild, Gaborik and his agent Ron Salcer.
The source said it will be almost “impossible” to trade Gaborik now but after the first of the year and when the NHL trading deadline nears things could change. “The best scenario,” he believes, is for Gaborik to return to the Wild, play 30 or so games and draw interest from teams that either think they need one more vital player to win the Stanley Cup, or at least make the playoffs.
“He’s a phenomenally good goal scorer, among the top three or four in the league,” the source said. “Just an absolute great talent. And from what I’ve…understood, it’s not like he’s a problem in the locker room. …Apparently he’s an excellent teammate. …”
Gaborik had his best season in 2007-08, with 42 goals and 41 assists.