Friedman: Kings offer Gaborik 3-year deal at $5.5-6 million per season
The Los Angeles Kings appear set on turning an offensive stopgap into a lucrative long-term investment.
General manager Dean Lombardi and his championship colleagues reportedly tabled a three-year offer to the Slovakian sniper worth upwards of $5.5-6 million per season, according to CBC's Elliotte Friedman.
Gaborik played a significant role in Los Angeles' run to its second Stanley Cup championship in three seasons, leading the postseason in goals with 14.
It took him a while to fit into Darryl Sutter's system after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Columbus Blue Jackets, but Gaborik grew increasingly acclimated to Anze Kopitar's flank and will likely receive another fat contract for his timely contribution.
With $13 million to spend under the cap, the Kings would be able to retain other free agents - including defensemen Willie Mitchell and Matt Greene - should they keep Gaborik's price under $6 million.
The winger sports over $65 million in career earnings, according to capgeek.