New York Rangers: Could Marian Gaborik Contend for the Rocket Richard Trophy?

Let me preface this article with this statement. I realize many could comment on Gaborik's history with injuries as a reason why he won't contend, but this article is taking a look at Gaborik's chances in an ideal situation in which he plays 82 injury free games.

There is no denying that Marian Gaborik is one of the most explosive players ever to grace an NHL ice surface. He is a player that was considered to have the complete package. Gaborik had the speed, hands, shot, and hockey knowledge that all great goal scorers possess.

However, Gaborik and all great goal scorers are not able to score their goals alone. They are often assisted and aided by their linemates. The biggest help to the goal scorer is usually their center or a winger.

When you look at Alex Ovechkin, he has Nicklas Backstrom as his playmaking pivot.When you look at Gretzky, he had Kurri and Messier.

Steven Stamkos has Marty St.Louis and Corey Perry has Ryan Getzlaf. The trend and point I am getting at is this. Marian Gaborik, when healthy and on his game, is a highlight reel capable goal scorer.

He can blow past defenders when he sees open ice and he can snipe lethal wrist shots from the most unlikely angles. In his first year in New York, he scored 42 goals and 44 assists for 86 points. He was able to accomplish this because he developed chemistry with veteran forward Vinny Prospal.

Gaborik now will be paired with veteran playmaker Brad Richards. Richards is a skilled passer and has had as many as 67 assists in a season. If you take the playmaking abilities and pair them with Gaborik's shot and speed, there is no reason why on paper it would be outrageous to say that Gaborik could score 50 goals or more.

I am a realist and a fan of the Rangers but in my mind I could see Gaborik scoring 50 goals. If he scored 42 playing alongside Vinny Prospal, I don't think you can call it homerish that I feel he could score at least eight more than that with Brad Richards.

If all goes to plan however, the Rangers would have clinched a playoff spot way before the 82nd game of the season. With that in mind, Gaborik would have to score a majority of his goals early and often. This has been a problem with Gaborik due to his past with injuries.

The other potential kink in this plan is if Gaborik doesn't click with Richards.

It is all good and well in theory that Glen Sather said to himself, "Okay, I spent $ 60 million on a top line center for Gaborik so now he will score 50 goals or more." However at the end of the day, Richards will play his game and Gaborik has to play his.

Only Marian Gaborik can straighten out his own game so that he is productive offensively. Richards is not this magical guru that will throw magic dust on Gaborik's stick to wake it up from a deep slumber. I get the feeling that Richards is being given a lot of unfair pressure to start with.

Yes, Richards did sign a $60 million contract but it's not like he didn't earn it. When looking at the cap hit per year on Richards, $6.6 million is no so outlandish. He took a yearly pay cut to come to New York because he feels the Rangers can win a Stanley Cup.

At the end of the day, Gaborik is very talented. He is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL and has one of the most accurate wrist shots. However, do you feel that he has what it takes to contend for a Rocket Richard Trophy?

Before you comment, consider the talent of Gaborik and the playmaking abilities of Richards. I am asking the question if he has the potential to contend for the trophy. I am not asking if he could outright win  the trophy, but can he stay in the race for the majority of the year and maybe come out on top?

I will be the first person to admit that I laughed at first when Puck Daddy predicted this, but after some deep thought, I feel he could have a legitimate shot.

I would love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment in the section below to get the conversation going. 

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist.

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