The Great Gabby

There's a debate going on in the world of the Minnesota Wild, as right wing Marian Gaborik prepares to rejoin the team. Gaborik was the Wild's first draft pick in 2000 (third overall), and has proved to be an exciting player. Wikipedia says, "Marián is an immense talent, widely regarded as one of the most explosive and electrifying players in hockey..." At the 2003 All-Star game, Gaborik won the speed competition. We're not talking about your average NHL player here.

Gaborik has never played a full season. He hasn't played since October 20th because of a groin injury and initially was expected to be out two weeks. Two weeks turned into over two months, but he should be back soon. That's where things get difficult. This past off-season, the Wild traded for Pavol Demitra to complement Gabby's playing style--giving him a partner on the ice. (There had been questions about whether Gaorik would continue to play for the Wild after this season or if he'd seek a new team. After the trade, Gabby signed a three-year contract with the Wild.) However, with Gabby out, Demitra was put on an offensive line with Mark Parrish (Minnesota native) and Mikko Koivu, whom I know no one has ever heard me mention before, but he's a pretty good player.

Immediately one would think that it's easy: pull Parrish out of the line, and insert Gaborik. But it's not that easy. The line of Demitra-Koivu-Parrish has been doing quite well, and they've been working together well as a unit. You really don't want to break up offensive lines. These guys need to know each other very well to get the puck from one person the next--often without looking. Parrish didn't really start the year playing well, but recently has picked up playing with Mikko Koivu and Demitra. You can't break them up. And yet...you have to. They brought Demitra here to help the team by giving Gabby a complementary partner. It spoils the effect of the trade if you don't have them playing together.

I am not sure whether Parrish or Demitra will be removed from the line (i.e., will Parrish be removed from the line and Gabby inserted, or will Demitra be removed to be put on another line with Gabby?). It's my personal, prejudiced opinion that Gabby and Mikko Koivu should play together (my two favorite players would be playing at the same time!). And my prejudiced opinion is that that particular line will highlight strengths of all the players. But where do you put Mark Parrish?

I think Jacque Lemaire will be in for a difficult decision in the next two days. I'm guessing he's very closely watching practice, and probably switching lines up a little bit to see which pairings show the most potential of working together. It will be interesting to see how things shape up.