COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a recent press conference, NHL forward Marion Gaborik insisted his trade from the New York Rangers to the Columbus Blue Jackets was a mutual decision.
“It was one of those things where we both knew we weren’t good for each other,” explained Gaborik. “The Rangers said it was them and not me, and I felt it was me and not them.”
With 41 goals last season, Gaborik led the Rangers to the best record in the Eastern Conference. During the off-season, the swift forward required shoulder surgery, which has greatly affected his play in all 35 games with New York this year.
“I only scored nine goals with the Rangers this year,” Gaborik said. “After the surgery, it just didn’t work anymore. The team felt distant to me.”
On April 3rd, the NHL trade deadline, the Rangers made the move and traded Gaborik for a sixth-round pick in the 2014 draft, defenseman John Moore, and forwards Derick Brassard and Derek Dorsett.
“It’s good knowing that I was worth that much to the team,” said a tearful Gaborik. “It was just not meant to be.”
The trade worked out well for the Rangers. That night, they went on to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 6-1. Gaborik attempted to call and congratulate his former team but said they did not pick up. He left a heartfelt message, wishing the Rangers luck in finding true happiness.
