Former Wild first rounder Marian Gaborik announces retirement

After 1,035 career games in the National Hockey League for the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and Ottawa Senators, Marian Gaborik has officially announced his retirement.

Gaborik took to Instagram to make the announcement.

"Officially, "This is it". It's been an great honour and privilege to play in the best league in the world @nhl since I was 18 years old. The journey has been nothing short from spectacular, amazing and unbelievable. Many times it's been a roller coaster, but I always found the way back. Saying that, I'm so grateful and thankful to my family, my agent, teammates and coaches." the Trencin, Slovakia native said.

He added, "I'd like to thank @minnesotawild for drafting me and giving me a chance for my dream come true to play in NHL. To my teammates, coaches and fans helping me mature on and off the ice. Thank you @nyrangers for having experience Sweet Caroline and living in energy heaven of the world Thank you @bluejacketsnhl for a short stop, being supportive, helping me overcome injuries and trading me to @lakings to achieve my ultimate goal. Winning a Stanley Cup. Thank you LA, teammates coaches and fans for believing in me and for memories that I will never forget Thank you @senators for respect and helping through tough times Last but not least, thank you @dukla.trencin for teaching me the best game there is #retirement"

The 39-year-old hasn't played in the NHL since the 2017-18 season after having surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. Gaborik has spent the last three seasons on long-term injured reserve, until his contract expired in July 2021.

In his prime, Gaborik was one of the most lethal goal scorers in the National Hockey League, eclipsing the forty-goal mark three times in his career, also added four other seasons with 30+ goals.

He spent seventeen years in the NHL, tallying 815 points (407 G, 408 A), 492 penalty minutes, and was a +95. Gaborik won the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014, and was a three-time All Star (2003, 2008, 2012).

Best of luck to Marian in his retirement.

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