Two years ago, the Los Angeles Kings, desperately needing to upgrade their offense, made a shrewd trade for talented Jeff Carter and eventually won the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Today, the Kings, winners of five straight, still harbored those same offensive concerns, and once again have made a move to spark the team, acquiring forward Marian Gaborik from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, a second round draft selection in the 2014 or 2015 NHL Draft, and a conditional third round draft selection.
The second-round pick in 2014 or 2015 going to Columbus was previously acquired in the Jonathan Bernier deal with Toronto.
Offense seems to always be an issue this year for the Kings, and Gaborik's proven knack for scoring goals may be just the answer.
A 6-1, 204-pound native of Trencin, Czechoslovakia, Gaborik was an All-Star in 2012, 2008, and 2003 (named All-Star MVP in 2012). He has scored at least 40 goals on three occasions and he has scored at least 30 goals four other times.
Gaborik, 32, has played for the Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild during his 14-year NHL career. In 791 total regular season games he has 688 points (342-346=688) and 410 penalty minutes. In 54 NHL playoff games he has 35 points including 18 goals.
However, Gaborik has played in only 22 games with the Blue Jackets this year due to injury, tallying just 14 points (6-8=14) and six penalty minutes. He is expected to join the Kings on the road as the club travels to Winnipeg today to take on the Jets tomorrow.
Frattin, 26, had six points (2-4=6) and 11 penalty minutes in 40 games with the Kings this season. The 6-0, 205-pound native of Edmonton Alberta was acquired by the Kings (along with Ben Scrivens) and a second-round draft pick for Jonathan Bernier on June 23, 2013.
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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