Minnesota Wild star Gaborik enters the open market

MINNEAPOLIS -- Marian Gaborik is officially a free agent.

The Minnesota Wild's cornerstone forward had his contract expire when the NHL's offseason formally began today. Gaborik is the only remaining player from their original team, and was their first draft pick nine years ago.

Gaborik wanted to test the market, so the Wild had little chance to lock him up.

The 27-year-old Gaborik has been limited by injuries in recent seasons, but he is Minnesota's all-time leading scorer and one of the NHL's elite skaters when healthy.

New general manager Chuck Fletcher has hinted he'll be active with his roster, so if Gaborik goes somewhere else the Wild will likely chase other high-profile players.