Marian's white knight

Marian Gaborik's agent Ron Salcer has come out in defence of his client (what good agent doesn't?) and issued a statement denying some of the outrageous numbers being thrown out there regarding his negotiations, or lack thereof, with the Minnesota Wild on a contract extension.

Here's what Salcer said, courtesy of Russo's Rants:

"Unfortunately, Marian has been absorbing a character assassination on the premise of misinformation that has circulated like gospel.

"Lets be clear, no matter what Marian eventually signs for, it’s all a lot of money. Special athletes make lots of money. The important part of this process is recognizing the various dynamics of sensitive negotiations for both the player and team that transpire. Making some effort to maintain integrity for the principles involved should be considered.

"Based on what’s voluminous speculation and propaganda, people are inappropriately judging Marian. It should be based on the facts. The facts are this is his eighth year in Minnesota and the loyalty he has shown fans, the city, his teammates and the organization should not be disregarded or overlooked.

"The offers that have been thrown at the wall of 10 years, $85 million, $90 million and $100 million are wrong, as are what I now hear — seven years, $70 million and eight years, $80 million. They’re also wrong.

"When and if they do get offered, something certainly may happen."

Salcer is obviously correct in pointing out that, no matter what, Gaborik will be signing for a lot of money. But I would certainly hope he wouldn't reject any of those hypothetical offers he just denied, because some of them would make Gaborik the highest paid player in the league. He's good, but he's not Ovechkin good.

If indeed Bob Gainey is talking to Doug Risebrough about Gaborik, which he might not be, it has to be somewhat encouraging that the rumoured numbers are being denied by his agent. Gaborik will be getting paid $7.5 million this year and, considering his injury history, I don't feel he's worth much more than that.

Furthermore, a 10-year deal is way too big of a risk with this guy, as is a nine, eight, seven, six or five-year deal. Unfortunately, the nature of unrestricted free agency being what it is, a six or seven year deal is probably the starting point of any contract negotiations with Gaborik. Wild beat writer Michael Russo believes the offers from Minnesota are anywhere between seven and 10 years for $8-8.5 million per.

This is why I feel Gainey should stay away from this guy. He's likely going to cost Chris Higgins, at least one A-list prospect, plus at least two more roster players. Not only does that make no sense for the long-term, it makes no sense for this year either. At that price and term, I'd take a run at Marian Hossa or Jay Bouwmeester in July before looking at Gaborik.

Speaking of Higgins, he skated alone today, away from the glare of the media watching the rest of the team practice in Verdun. I'm wondering how Higgins went from "98 per cent sure" to be playing Monday night to being a scratch to not even being able to practice with the team?

Is his injury more serious than initially believed (likely)? Is he being shielded from the team because he's about to get dealt (far less likely)? Will he be able to play Saturday (who knows)?

I think this is a situation where Guy Carbonneau should break away from his newly acquired right to wrap every injury in a shroud of media speculation and just come out and say what's wrong with Higgins. The way the situation is being handled is just fuelling a rumour mill that doesn't really need the extra ammo right now.

Meanwhile, Andrei Kostitsyn was kept away from the ice and I'd be surprised to see him play Saturday.

Finally, a happy 70th birthday to Habs owner George Gillett, who's looking to unload Liverpool FC in the midst of a global economic crisis.

He and Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks are apparently looking for £550 million (or about C$1.1 billion). Good luck.