Los Angeles Kings forward Marian Gaborik sustained an injury during World Cup play that could potentially sideline him for up to eight weeks. Gaborik was seen leaving the Air Canada Center on crutches and with his foot in a cast. Gaborik was enjoying a good tournament before the injury. The forward scored a pair of goals and was given plenty of ice time. Things were looking good for the forward who struggled last season.
https://twitter.com/RealKyper/status/780467598332981248
Marian Gaborik Out For Eight Weeks
Gaborik scored Europe‘s opening goal against Sweden, playing 17:58 in the game as well. The forward took a puck off the foot in the second period during the team’s 3-2 semifinal victory over Sweden. He will be returning to Los Angeles.
Gaborik is going back to LA today. Tough loss for Team Europe and the Kings. He's been good. #WCOH2016
— Matt Brown (he/him) (@brown__matt) September 26, 2016
A history of injuries has followed Gaborik throughout his career. In his fifteen years in the NHL, he has played 75 or more games in just five seasons. In the last four seasons, he has only played more that 54 once. His most recent injury came last season when a knee injury sidelined him for a crucial stretch of the Kings last season.
Gaborik was rewarded with a seven-year, $34 million contract extension after the 2014 playoffs. Since then, however, the forward has seen his production drop significantly. He produced just 12 goals and 22 points in 54 games last season.
After having played well in the World Cup, the Kings were hopeful he was in line for a bounce back season. Now Team Europe will have to face off against Canada without one of their top offensive weapons. San Jose’s Mikkel Boedker is a candidate to replace Gaborik for Europe.
The Kings will also be without a player that will be heavily counted on for offensive production during the early part of the new NHL season.
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