Columbus Blue Jackets: Would a Marian Gaborik Return Make Sense?
By William Espy
Marian Gaborik could be a low risk signing for the Columbus Blue Jackets if Ottawa buys him out.
The Columbus Blue Jackets signing Marian Gaborik may seem like a crazy idea at first, however his injury troubles which have prohibited him from playing a full season since 2011-2012, may bring his price down enough to make him worth a gamble. Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun called a Gaborik buyout likely after Magnus Paajarvi signed a new deal with Ottawa.
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While Gaborik’s number of games played is always below a full season, usually by almost 30 games, his production when he’s healthy is typically above average. Last season he only played 46 games which were split between the LA Kings and the Senators, however he did put up 21 points, 11 of which were goals as a 35 year old.
Marian Gaborik certainly wouldn’t be a superstar acquisition like he was thought to be the last time he ended up in Columbus. As a depth move though, the future bottom six player it could make sense if the price is right.
His current contract is $4.875M through 2020-2021 according to Capfriendly so a trade would be nonsensical for the Blue Jackets. If he is bought out, Columbus could offer him a contract for one year between $1.5M-$2M which is a fairly minimal NHL deal.
This is beneficial to the Blue Jackets for multiple reasons. It will have no effect on the cap for 2019-2020 when the Artemi Panarin, Zach Werenski and Sergei Bobrovsky extensions are needed. It is a low risk contract that could have a high reward if Gaborik somehow stays healthy.
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Every contract at the NHL level is a gamble, however if the Columbus Blue Jackets are able to sign Marian Gaborik to a one year deal it would be a fairly low risk gamble.