Wild looking to trade Gaborik

An NHL team executive says he is being offered around the league. Another source says the Wild is convinced it can't sign him.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: October 21, 2008 - 12:18 PM

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Marian Gaborik, the only original Wild player on the roster and its career leading scorer with 207 goals and 415 points in 487 games, might not be long for Minnesota.

According to an NHL team executive, Wild General Manager Doug Risebrough has been actively shopping Gaborik around the league and over the weekend offered Gaborik to his team in a trade.

The executive said he was not interested.

Gaborik, 26, who can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, has rejected multiple contract extension offers from the Wild, and the team has come to the realization that it's doubtful it will be able to sign him, sources say.

Negotiations have stalled, and the two sides haven't spoken in two weeks -- something Risebrough and agent Ron Salcer confirmed over the weekend.

Gaborik, who has a history of abdominal and leg injuries, has missed the past two games because of a "lower body injury." Because there's always a risk of injury with Gaborik, the latest leg problem has convinced the Wild it's important to investigate trading him sooner than later, sources say.

Risebrough declined to comment, but he said last week the team has a plan and "that plan doesn't necessarily need to be revealed on a day-to-day basis."

It's believed Risebrough has had trade talks with Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey and Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi. Risebrough will attend Thursday's GM meetings in Chicago, so talks could heat up with a number of teams.

The Canadiens, in their 100th season and a true Stanley Cup contender, might be the team that makes the most sense. The Canadiens have salary cap flexibility in future years and young talent.

It's believed the Wild is interested in Canadiens defenseman prospect Ryan McDonagh, a former Cretin-Derham Hall star and Minnesota Mr. Hockey who was Montreal's No. 12 pick in 2007 and plays now at the University of Wisconsin. The Wild would also want an established player.

However, the Canadiens -- or any trade partner, for that matter -- would want to know whether Gaborik would sign a long-term deal with them, and Gaborik's agent has not been asked by Risebrough to talk to any teams.

Wild Director of Pro Scouting Blair Mackasey attended Saturday's Canadiens game, but he is a Montreal resident. He was also at Monday's Canadiens game.

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