State of the State (of Hockey): 12/30/08

s. If captaincy is all about setting examples for others to follow, Clutterbuck is the one you want at the helm, setting the tone.

Second order of business: Mr. Marian Gaborik. Gaborik is not feeling very well, I believe “soreness” was the word the Wild used. They said they are keeping him out against Chicago and Calgary*, although it could be longer.

Of course, let the trade speculation begin. There have been reports that the Wild have been in talks with Atlanta, although these talks don’t include superstar Ilya Kovalchuk. Then there was talk of a Angelo Esposito plus a pick for Gaborik trade, but the general consensus, at least that I’m hearing, is that Esposito is a bust.

If you ask me, don’t count on a trade between now and whenever Gaborik starts playing again, although if Risebrough knew what’s good for him it would be soon. Reason being, Gaborik’s played six games this season. That’s not enough time for teams to go out and scout him fully and put together a good offer, let alone the teams we want doing all that. 

*Note: The Majority of this article was written yesterday, and doesn’t include the results for the game 12/29 against Calgary

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