Gaborik's agent: Pay talk exaggerated

Jeffrey Thompson, Star Tribune

No matter what the final pay figure, Marian Gaborik is in line for a huge contract. “Special athletes make lots of money,’’ agent Ron Salcer said.

Ron Salcer says items on the Wild star's salary demands have been full of inaccuracies that have painted the right winger in a bad light.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: October 24, 2008 - 6:55 AM

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Marian Gaborik's agent came to his client's defense Wednesday night after being criticized for reportedly turning down contract extensions ranging from $8.5 million to even as much as $10 million annually.

Ron Salcer said Gaborik is being hammered in the public airways, blogs and message boards based on the premise of misinformation being reported by the media.

Salcer disputed what he considered some of the more outrageous claims being tossed around, such as the seven-year, $70 million and eight-year, $80 million rejections reported in Tuesday's Pioneer Press.

Salcer said he is dumbfounded that it's been reported that Gaborik continues to reject contracts worth more and more money when the two sides have not even spoken in more than two weeks.

"Unfortunately, Marian has been absorbing a character assassination on the premise of misinformation that has circulated like gospel," Salcer said. "The offers that have been thrown at the wall of 10 years, $85 million, $90 million and $100 million are wrong, as are what I now hear -- seven years, $70 million and eight years, $80 million. They're also wrong.

"When and if they do get offered, something certainly may happen."

Wednesday night, General Manager Doug Risebrough and assistant GM Tom Lynn declined to comment.

The Star Tribune has been reporting since July that the Wild planned to offer Gaborik, who can become a free agent next July 1, seven- to 10-year deals ranging between $8-8.5 million, something Salcer has not denied.

The Wild has not publicly stated what it's offering Gaborik, other than to say it's offering Gaborik a long-term deal in line with the highest-paid players in the NHL, which is a narrow margin ($7 million for Jarome Iginla to $9.5 million for Alex Ovechkin).

Gaborik is in the last year of a contract that is paying him $7.5 million this season.

"Let's be clear, no matter what Marian eventually signs for, it's all a lot of money," Salcer said. "Special athletes make lots of money. The important part of this process is recognizing the various dynamics of sensitive negotiations for both the player and team that transpire. Making some effort to maintain integrity for the principles involved should be considered.

"Based on what's voluminous speculation and propaganda, people are inappropriately judging Marian. It should be based on the facts. The facts are this is his eighth year in Minnesota and the loyalty he has shown fans, the city, his teammates and the organization should not be disregarded or overlooked."

Salcer also said Wednesday that the Wild, which offered Gaborik to at least one team in trade, according to one NHL team executive, has not yet asked him to talk with any team about a contract extension. That would seem to be a precursor to getting any trade completed.

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