Gaborik dazzles in Atlanta, then lands among the injured

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: October 17, 2008 - 2:13 AM

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SUNRISE, FLA. - Three games into the season, oft-injured right winger Marian Gaborik has been sidelined with what the Wild is calling a "lower body injury."

Gaborik, who missed much of training camp because of a quad injury, is coming off offseason hip surgery and has missed 57 games the past three seasons because of various groin-related problems.

He played marvelously in Tuesday's 4-2 victory at Atlanta, a game in which he scored his first goal and led all forwards with 23 minutes, 34 seconds of ice time.

Gaborik had his upper right leg wrapped with ice after the game, but that's not abnormal for him. He was given Wednesday's practice off, although he spent 45 minutes playing soccer hacky sack with teammates Mikko Koivu, Andrew Brunette, Antti Miettinen and Eric Belanger.

General Manager Doug Risebrough would not discuss specifics of Gaborik's injury or a potential time frame for his return.

With the Wild having been unable to sign Gaborik to an extension, there's been speculation the team might be forced to trade him. Asked if the Wild was actually holding Gaborik out because something's on the horizon, Risebrough said, "He's injured."

Gaborik and his agent, Ron Salcer, could not be reached for comment. Owner Craig Leipold has joined Risebrough in Florida.

It'd be logical to assume Gaborik's injury not only hurts his bargaining power but also the Wild's ability to trade him. It is a reminder that Gaborik has a history of injuries.

Asked if this reinforces the possible risk of committing large dollars and years to Gaborik, Risebrough paused for nearly five seconds before saying, "Well, 42 goals, playing all those games [77] last year, that's what we all want."

Asked if Gaborik's injury reinforces the risk of waiting too long before trading him, Risebrough said, "I'll deal with that when it's time."

Both Salcer on Wednesday night and Risebrough on Thursday acknowledged there has been no talking between the sides in two weeks.

"It could be status quo for a long time or not a long time," Risebrough said. "Whatever form, it will play itself out."

Salcer flew to Tampa on Wednesday to meet with Gaborik this weekend, but no meetings were scheduled with the Wild.

Mum on maladies

During a Thursday morning team meeting, Risebrough told his players that the Wild will adhere to the NHL's new injury policy. Clubs no longer are required to disclose the specific nature of injuries.

Risebrough told the players they are not to discuss injuries with the media.

"This is not players' information. It's team information," Risebrough said. "We'll be less specific because first of all, we can be, and second, it deals to a competitive advantage. Things become too specific that ultimately affect the potential health of the player. It's a physical sport."

Risebrough said Pierre-Marc Bouchard's back injury has been changed to a "lower body" injury. Owen Nolan (leg) and Marek Zidlicky (sprained ankle) also have "lower body" injuries.

On Bouchard, Risebrough said the team is going to consult with doctors on a course of treatment.

Pressed into duty

The Wild is so riddled with injuries, defenseman Tomas Mojzis, who played 13 previous games with Vancouver and St. Louis, made his Wild debut playing wing. He found out before the morning skate when his maroon defenseman's jersey was changed to a forward's green jersey.

Winger Cal Cutterbuck also made his season debut.

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