Dominator2005 558 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 http://thefourthperiod.com/news/lak081102.html Kings, Wild still talking trade for Gaborik TheFourthPeriod.com The Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild continue to discuss a trade involving star winger Marian Gaborik. According to various reports, the two teams have been negotiating for a few weeks. While talks are ongoing, nothing appears to be imminent. The Edmonton Journal claims Gaborik enjoys the west coast lifestyle and the Kings could package former Wild Patrick O'Sullivan and Alexander Frolov. With roughly $11 million in available cap space, the Kings can afford to add Gaborik and his projected new salary of more than $8.5 million per year. Kings GM Dean Lombardi has set an internal budget, but sources say the team is willing to make the necessary adjustments in order to acquire a player of Gaborik's status. The Kings, along with a number of other teams interested in the 26-year-old star, want the opportunity to speak with Gaborik's agent, Ron Salcer, before agreeing to any deal. The Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders and Oilers have all expressed an interest in Gaborik. From the Editor: Calls are coming in from a number of different teams, but that doesn't mean a trade is around the corner. The Kings are interested, but whether they'll be allowed to talk to Gaborik's agent is another story. First, the two sides need to get close to terms on a trade, then worry about talking to Ron Salcer. We're still in the pretty early stages of this entire saga. -- David Pagnotta Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shaman 713 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 I hope so, dont want him to go somewhere where he can be dangerous... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 The Kings are always the topic of any big trade these days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duck Guy 86 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 i would rather not have gaborik go to the kings.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArcticWing 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 (edited) i would rather not have gaborik go to the kings..He needs go somewhere, and Kings ain't going to make to the playoffs. So Gabby can't do too much damage from there. I'm all in favor of him joining the Kings. Though, I wouldn't miss him, if he would choose to go play in KHL. Edited November 3, 2008 by ArcticWing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 If I were the Kings I'd rather have O'Sullivan and Frolov than Gaborik and his injuries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swede40 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 Kings would be wise just to ride out this season...pick up one of the top 2 picks and use the cap space to sign free agents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DyingAlive 27 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 It's good for Gabby to go to a team that is destined to miss the playoffs. He can't perform when Spring roles around anyways. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted November 4, 2008 If the Frolov/O'Sullivan scenario is a legitimate situation as far as value being thrown around and what the Wild are looking for...then the only other similar trade scenario I can see in a quick look is to Nashville for the combination of David Legwand/Martin Erat, to St. Louis for Brad Boyes/Lee Stempniak, or possibly to Buffalo for Tim Connolly/Jason Pominville. In any of the above scenarios, we're likely to see a pick or two in there to fill out the value, and those are the only low/mid20's, center/winger combos on teams with cap space that have room to add a top-line winger and the combos are signed for a season or two at a reasonable level; in other words, won't immediately cost the Wild more than keeping Gaborik and signing a space-filler would, as the idea of trading him seems to be fueled by his large price tag. Gaborik is expected to cost upwards of $8.5m, so anything above $9.5m within a year or two was deemed too expensive; as was anything likely to cost that involving summer 09 RFAs. Frolov and O'Sullivan are likely to combine for close to $9.5m cap hit on their next deals also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uncle Danny 155 Report post Posted November 4, 2008 (edited) Any GM willing to pay 8.5 for Gaborik needs his head checked. The guy is major contributor when healthy, but has proven himself to be injury prone and subject to untimely naps in the clutch. At age 26, he is heading into his "prime," which means by the time a rebuilding team like LA is able to take advantage of his contributions for the half season he'll play, he'll be on the downside of his career. This is not a move that will make any bottom tier team a contender. It *is*, however, a move that could take a potential six or seven seed and make them scary come March. LA is rebuilding, this is not the guy they need for that effort. EDIT: clarity Edited November 4, 2008 by Uncle Danny Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AtomicPunk 296 Report post Posted November 10, 2008 If Buffalo could unload Tim Connelly and get Gaborik back, it would be a win-win for them. I can't stand watching the Wild, so maybe this would get me watching Gaborik again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grim 5 Report post Posted November 11, 2008 I agree with Swede40... why should the Kings give up anything?? They might as well ride out this season and sign Gaborik as a free agent in the summer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted November 11, 2008 i would rather not have gaborik go to the kings.. Says the person who doesn't want Gaborik taking points from the Ducks next season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swede40 0 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Kings can't go wrong picking in the top 2 but they will probably play well enough to not get either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted December 10, 2008 (edited) I hope so, dont want him to go somewhere where he can be dangerous... Don't worry. He's only dangerous for an average of 30 or so games per season... If Buffalo could unload Tim Connelly and get Gaborik back, it would be a win-win for them. I can't stand watching the Wild, so maybe this would get me watching Gaborik again. One amazingly injury-prone player traded for another amazingly injury-prone player? I think it's unlikely. Neither of them can stay healthy. Minnesota won't want to unload Gaborik if the return is going to be another player who is just as injury prone as Gaborik is. Edited December 10, 2008 by Crymson Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
