Fan In Van

The Gaborik Conundrum

In case you haven’t heard by now folks, Marian Gaborik is for sale. An NHL exec confirmed that Wild GM Doug Risebrough has had talks with other NHL teams in an effort to move the impending free agent. So it’s official: Marian Gaborik has transformed into this year’s Marian Hossa. Two highly sought-after Marians in one year, who’d have thunk it?

So whether anyone chooses to admit it or not, there’s a gigantic elephant in that Wild dressing room. Gaborik knows it, his teammates know it, his coach knows it, even their mascot ‘Nordy’ knows it: Marian Gaborik is not going to finish the season as a member of the Minnesota Wild. He will be moved for assets and will not be let go via free agency.

Let the trade speculation begin … Cue the Gaborik to Montreal rumours. Whether he ends up in Montreal, Los Angeles, New York or Pittsburgh, the asking price for the Slovakian stud will be high. The Wild demands are a player in his prime, a prospect and a high draft pick. And considering Marian Hossa (and Pascal Dupuis) fetched two players (Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen), a top prospect (Angelo Esposito) and a 1st round pick, you have to think the chances are high the Wild will meet their demands.

The rumour mongers can say all they want, but I’ve got a solution that will work for both teams. Ready for it? Here it is: Marian Gaborik for Jay Bouwmeester.

Of course there may have to be some details, picks and prospects thrown into the equation, this makes sense for everyone involved. Florida has an equally disgruntled player in defenceman Jay Bouwmeester. Minnesota has Gaborik. Both want a change in scenery. Gaborik wants to enjoy hockey by scoring goals. Bowmeester wants to win.

Florida desperately needs a player to build their team around and Gaborik could be their guy. Minnesota, being the defensive team they are, could add to their strengths with Bouwmeester. It just makes too much sense.

And it might just happen, folks. Both teams have the cap room. Both want to sort out their problems early.

Like it? Hate it? Who’s going to get Gaborik? Sound off in the comments section and vote in the poll!