Gaborik's agent also gets work in at camp site

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: September 22, 2008 - 1:33 AM

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GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Ron Salcer sat in the stands Sunday with fellow agent Tobin Wright, clients Brent Burns and Marian Gaborik and the father of client Derek Boogaard.

But the Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based agent was eventually joined by Wild assistant GM Tom Lynn for a brief chat between periods of Sunday's scrimmage.

The two agreed to meet again later in the day as the Wild and Salcer continue to work on an extension to Gaborik's contract.

Sunday, Salcer gave the strongest indication that Gaborik has instructed him to come to an agreement with the Wild if it's possible.

"I believe we've made it very clear to them that our intentions are sincere," Salcer said. "Marian has made that clear that that's what he wants me to pursue."

Of course, Salcer also made clear the Wild needs to ante up considering Gaborik could be highly sought next summer as a free agent.

"He's in a very strong situation if he could become a 27-year-old franchise player unrestricted free agent," Salcer said. "I think that's pretty much unprecedented in the NHL. We recognize that's an option. However we'll do everything we can to become a Minnesota Wild."

Gaborik will make $7.5 million in the final year of his three-year, $19 million deal. It's believed the Wild has offered a variety of proposals, ranging from six to 10 years for more than $8.5 million annually.

Problem is Gaborik could earn more on the open market. Salcer said the Wild has not given them a deadline, although GM Doug Risebrough has indicated he'd prefer to get a deal done by the Oct. 11 opener.

In the meantime, Gaborik was kept off the ice Sunday because of a strained right quadriceps.

"Still sore. We'll be conservative this time of year," Lynn said. "We're not going to push him out there. We'll rest him until he's ready."

Arena is workout haven

Defenseman Kurtis Foster, rehabbing from a broken leg, is taking advantage of the spectacular training facilities at Ralph Engelstad Arena, which boasts a 10,000-square-foot fitness center and underwater treadmill.

Sunday, Foster, who has strengthened his upper body dramatically this summer, got into a weightlifting competition with Gaborik.

"In the long run, coming to Grand Forks was a great idea," Foster said. "You can't say enough good things about this facility. This is unbelievable."

Foster said getting away from the Twin Cities could be beneficial for a team with potentially eight to nine new faces.

"There are so many new guys, the guys are starting to meet each other," Foster said. "We've been out to dinner the last couple nights, and both nights there were 16 or 17 guys. That's how you come together as a team."

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