Trade for Gaborik proving good move
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ acquisition of Marian Gaborik on trade deadline day was about raising the threat level of their offense.
Gaborik is doing that, producing 12 shots, two goals (including a gamewinner) and three assists in his first four games.
“He’s a threat,” Blue Jackets President John Davidson said.
Even when Gaborik doesn’t score, the theory is he still makes it easier for his teammates to score because the opponent’s top defenseman is always assigned to deal with Gaborik and his exceptional speed.
Adding Gaborik and his $7.5 million contract sent a message to the team and to the fan base that Davidson’s regime plans to compete for the playoffs while renovating the roster.
It will be an uphill fight for Gaborik to get the Blue Jackets into the playoffs for the second time in franchise history.
“This whole thing has been good for us as a team, because these games are like playoff games,” Davidson said.
Other late-season acquisitions who are having instant impacts:
1. Jay Bouwmeester (St. Louis): The Blues have won their first four games after Bouwmeester joined their lineup and have given up four goals over that span. Bouwmeester has averaged 23-plus minutes a game while posting three assists and a plus-minus rating of plus 3.
2. Jaromir Jagr (Boston): With a goal, two assists and a plus 3 rating
in three games, the 240-pound winger has brought a new dimension to the Bruins offense. Defenses are drawn to him, and he opens up the ice for teammates.
3. Jason Pominville (Minneso
ta): In his second game for the Wild, they won 3-0 against the Blue Jackets and Pominville had a goal and an assist. He’s a proven scorer who came to a team that didn’t have enough proven scorers. With Dany Heatley out indefinitely with an injury, Pominville’s acquisition was even more important.
4. Raffi Torres (San Jose): Although Torres wasn’t one of the highprofile players moved on trade deadline day, he seems to have done plenty to change the look of the Sharks. He can skate, and he’ll serve as an irritating presence up front.