According to reports out of Minnesota, Wild superstar winger Marian Gaborik is facing the decision of having season-ending hip surgery.
Wild assistant GM Tom Lynn told the St. Paul Pioneer Press a decision will be made within two to three days.
"Ultimately it's probably Marian's decision," Lynn said. "It can get worse and affect his play, but even though he's not at his best, he's still valuable to the team."
Lynn told the Minneapolis Star Tribune Gaborik will likely be out until "at or near the end of the season," making his trade value near non-existent.
"The question is, do we try to move forward by him still skating so we can try to get him back now and manage it, or do we get [surgery] done right away so he can try to come back by the end of the season?" Lynn told the Star Tribune. "That's what we're trying to figure out in the next day or two. We're examining all our options."
The Wild believe Gaborik can weather through the storm and still play, but they're trying to get different opinions.
According to the Star-Tribune, Gaborik has been skating all week in hopes of practicing with the team and ultimately proving that he doesn't require the surgery.
Until a decision is made, the Wild refuse to discuss Gaborik's trade potential. It's uncertain if the 26-year-old wants to re-sign with the Wild, as he's already turned down a long-term contract extension.
