The Rangers opened training camp on Saturday, but Gaborik – who signed a five-year, $37.5 million deal in the offseason – was not an active participant because of a tender groin. Under normal circumstances, this would be a minor concern, but Gaborik’s lengthy injury history makes it worrisome.
Rangers head coach John Tortorella is notorious for his grueling conditioning drills in training camp, so this relatively minor groin problem may actually be a blessing in disguise for Gaborik, who underwent hip surgery in January and missed a significant chunk of the 2008-09 season. However, Gaborik was plagued by groin troubles throughout the 2006-07 season, and a recurrence of that ailment could hamper his abilities significantly.
The third overall pick in the 2000 NHL draft, Gaborik spent the first eight years of his career in Minnesota. Now 27, the Slovakian is expected to head the Rangers’ starting line, and some experts project a 90-point campaign in the upcoming season.
He certainly has the talent to reach that mark, but only if he can stay on the ice.
