“It doesn’t look too good, does it?” That was the comment of an NHL source on Monday when Sports Headliners asked whether the Wild will sign Marian Gaborik to a new contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season.
The source, who requested that his name not be used, shares the growing opinion that Gaborik wants to play for another team after this season. “Those (type of negotiations) are the ones that worry you because it’s not about the money,” he said.
If it’s not about the money, then what it is? Presumably the opportunity to play in a system where the high-scoring 26-year-old forward can have more freedom to show his offensive skills.
Wild coach Jacques Lemaire emphasizes a defensive style of play. “He (Gaborik) gets tired (of)…playing in that restricted system–defense first, defense first,” the source said.
He suspects, though, that this season Lemaire may give Gaborik more offensive freedom. “Jacques is not stupid, he knows how important this guy is to this team,” the source said.
The Wild could repeat as Northwest Division champions but that task will be much easier with Gaborik here all season, instead of traded away. Then, too, the Gaborik contract situation is a potential distraction affecting the team. “The longer it drags and the more I see (discouraging) quotes from the agent, the more I am afraid they won’t get it done,” the source said.
He likes the additions made to the team in the off-season, mentioning defensemen Marek Zidlicky and Marc-Andre Bergeron, and forward Owen Nolan. The Wild’s nucleus of young players like Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Brent Burns, Mikko Koivu, James Sheppard and Nick Schultz impresses him, too. A repeat 2006-2007 performance by goalie Niklas Backstrom would elevate the Wild’s play this season, too.
Minnesota opens the season on Saturday night at home against Boston.