After a lot of back and forth talk, it is confirmed that the Los Angeles Kings have acquired forward Marian Gaborik from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Matt Frattin and two draft picks.
Los Angeles has been in desperate need of some help in the goal-scoring department as they rank 27th in the NHL in offense, only above the Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres.
Gaborik is in his 13th season in the NHL and is a seven-time 30-goal scorer and scored at least 40 goals three times. Plagued by injuries this season, he only has six goals and 14 points in 22 games in 2013-14.
The former first-round pick has seen time with the Minnesota Wild and New York Rangers before being dealt to Columbus two years ago.
The Kings are now sitting pretty in third place of the Pacific Division, nine points ahead of the Phoenix Coyotes. After a dismal January, their troubles continued before the Olympic break as they were a question mark coming into the trade deadline Wednesday. They have won five straight games and are looking to clinch a playoff spot with the Coyotes and Vancouver Canucks struggling.
