Wild general manager Doug Risebrough wanted to sign Gaborik by the start of the season but says that’s not going to happen now. He isn’t saying if he’ll trade his best player, but they don’t want a distraction or a guy walking away as an unrestricted free agent next July.
If Risebrough calls Montreal — he played with GM Bob Gainey — he would likely want centre Tomas Plekanec, a winger like Andrei Kostitsyn or Chris Higgins, and D-man Mike Komisarek.
Habster:
This hypothetical scenario by Edmonton Journal writer Jim Matheson is actual quite laughable…….like reading a good Sunday morning funny/carton!!
Unless Wild general manager Doug Risebrough has photos of Gainey in a compromising situation, this one sided “hypothetical” deal to obtain Marian Gaborik is a huge pipe dream for Risebrough. Simply put, it’s a non-starter for Montreal!!!
Granted, the price paid by the Penguins for Marian Hossa’s services were ridiculously high and could hurt the Pens for the next two or three years. With that being said, there will be a team which will over pay for Gaborik, maybe not the absurd type of deal mentioned above but something similar.
Let’s be realistic, Gaborik will become an UFA at season’s end with a high probability of him testing the market for the highest bidder.
There is no questioning Gaborik is a great offensive player but he is very injury prone and treats his defensive responsibilities the same way a baby slams his mouth shut when a spoon full of spinach is presented to him.
Risebrough probably doesn’t want or need the distraction of the Gaborik’s contract situation hanging over the Wild’s season, he needs to publicly state that contract negotiations are done until the end of the season so they can focus on the year ahead.
He also needs to listen to all offers thrown in his direction with the understanding that Gaborik’s trade value will be at its highest closer to the trade deadline when teams are more desperate to improve their roster for a playoff run. There is also the possibility of a team under the league’s minimum cap requirement making a run at him. Either way, Dougie has his hands full with the Gaborik situation with or without the help of his former linemate!!