Conventional wisdom is that a player entering a contract year is looking to put up big numbers. Do that, and even an average-looking player can get big free-agent dollars.(Of course, as we learned last summer, even mediocre players can get big free-agent dollars.)
For Marian Gaborik of the Minnesota Wild, the mission this season is likely threefold. For starters, he wants to have the big contract year. Coming off a 40-goal campaign for a division winner, it isn't exactly a reach. Gaborik also would love to show he can contribute in the playoffs. Amazingly, everyone seemed to forget his stellar 2003 postseason when he went scoreless in six games against Colorado last season.
Oh, and there's the health thing.
Last year, Gaborik played in 77 games, his most since that 2002-2003 playoff year (81). He set career highs in goals, assists, points, and plus-minus.
With a contract year looming, the Wild failed to extend Gaborik's deal during the offseason, leading to a bunch of rumors and speculation. The club hasn't really said much about the situation, but it's going to get messy if Gaborik isn't re-signed by January.
Oh, and Gaborik's hurt again. Fantastic.
