After 407 goals, 408 assists, and 1,035 games, the Minnesota Wild's first-ever draft choice, Marian Gaborik, has retired from the National Hockey League.
Still, the franchise leader for goals scored in the regular season, the fan-favorite Gaborik, announced via social media that he was walking away from the NHL after being a free agent the last three seasons.
"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 said in an Instagram post. "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."
In 2000, the new franchise selected the Slovakian native with the third overall pick in the NHL rookie draft.
Gaborik played eight seasons with the Wild, coming in at eighth in games played, sixth in assists, second in points, third in plus/minus, and first in game-winning goals.
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In his retirement statement, he thanked the Wild for the time he spent with the club.
"I'd like to thank the [Minnesota Wild] for drafting me and giving me a chance for my dream to come true to play in NHL," Gaborik said. "To my teammates, coaches, and fans helping me mature on and off the ice."
Gaborik was in Minnesota during former teammate and Minnesota Wild Captain Mikko Koivu's thousandth game ceremony, where he spoke highly of Koivu and his time in Minnesota.
After leaving Minnesota in free agency during the 2009-10 season, Gaborik played for the New York Rangers for four seasons.
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