Former Rangers star Marian Gaborik announced his retirement from hockey on social media Thursday.
Gaborik, who hadn’t played since the 2017-18 season, had been under contract through the end of last season thanks to a seven-year, $34.125 million deal signed in 2014. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery to repair a herniated disk in 2018 while with the Senators, and his rights were traded to the Lightning last year.
“It’s been a great honour and privilege to play in the best league in the world @nhl since I was 18 years old,” Gaborik wrote on Instagram. “The journey has been nothing short from spectacular, amazing and unbelievable. Many times it’s been a roller coaster, but I always found the way back. Saying that, I’m so grateful and thankful to my family, my agent, teammates and coaches.
“I’d like to thank @minnesotawild for drafting me and giving me a chance for my dream come true to play in the NHL. To my teammates, coaches and fans helping me mature on and off the ice. Thank you @nyrangers for having experience Sweet Caroline and living in energy heaven of the world… Thank you @bluejacketsnhl for a short stop, being supportive, helping me overcome injuries and trading me to @lakings to achieve my ultimate goal. Winning a Stanley Cup. Thank you LA, teammates, coaches and fans for believing in me and for memories that I will never forget… Thank you @senators for respect and helping me through tough times.”
Gaborik, 39, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2000 NHL Draft, becoming the Wild’s first draftee in franchise history. His 219 goals are the most in Wild history.
He came to the Rangers in free agency before the 2009-10 season on a five-year, $37.5 million contract, spending the better part of four years with the Blueshirts and scoring 114 goals with the team, including two 40-goal seasons. His struggle of a 2013-14 season included being dropped to the fourth line and benched by John Tortorella before being shipped to Columbus in a trade.
The Blue Jackets traded Gaborik to the Kings a month later, where he went on to be a part of the Cup-winning team that beat the Rangers. Gaborik scored two goals against New York in the Cup Final and 14 in throughout those playoffs.
He finished his career with 407 goals and 1,035 games played. The Slovakia native also represented his country at the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Games.