Reports out of Minnesota indicate that Marian Gaborik's days with the Wild may be numbered. The talented forward is due to become a UFA on July 1st and hasn't yet come to terms on a contract extension with GM Doug Risebrough. As a result, the Wild may decide to deal him before the season begins rather than having him become a distraction.

While the Wild clearly value Gaborik's game-breaking ability, the fact remains that he is one of the NHL's most injury-prone players, and his extended absences from the lineup have had a hugely deleterious effect on the Wild's place in the standings. Depending upon what they get in return for the Slovakian speedster, Minnesota might indeed be better off trading Gaborik.

Perhaps the biggest question to ask is what Risebrough would want in return. When healthy, Gaborik is one of the most impactful players in the NHL, but any team acquiring him would likely cite his injury history as justification for value depreciation. And so it's unlikely that a player of Gaborik's caliber would be moving the other way in any trade.

One interesting possibility is the Los Angeles Kings. Currently nearly $10 million under the payroll minimum, the Kings need to add salary before the season begins. One possibility is picking up defenseman Mathieu Schneider (a former King) off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. Another is pulling off a deal for Gaborik, perhaps offering talented young forward Patrick O'Sullivan (a former Wild draftee) in return.

Unfortunately, no matter what they do, the Wild won't get a player as valuable or impactful as Gaborik. Between his injury history and the realities of a salary-capped NHL, the challenge will be for Risebrough to get as much as possible.