Is It Really Worth it to Trade Gaborik?

In 29 games played this abbreviated NHL Season, the Rangers' Marian Gaborik has scored 8 goals. Three of them came in the third game of the season against Boston, and he has only scored one in a month.

Meanwhile, the team's leading goal scorer, Rick Nash, has ten goals. Only two less. Gaborik is tied with Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin for third on the team in goals.

However, since he is in the midst of a huge slump, because he supposedly doesn't get along with his coach, and because he is paid a boatload of money, the solution according to the armchair quarterbacks of social media is, what else, TRADE THE BUM!

Now, let's step back for a second. Yes, Gaborik is in a slump. Yes, it's infuriating that he's had trouble hitting the net. Yes, he probably doesn't get along with John Tortorella.

But let us all remember that in two of the last three seasons, he has scored 40 or more goals. Did anyone really expect him to score 50 goals in 48 games?

Let us all remember that this supposedly "soft" player played last year's postseason on one shoulder.

Every player in every sport goes through a slump. All it takes is one good game for him to break out of it. When that happens, how many of his so-called "fans" will be kissing his ass again?

Now, let's forget the slump, the talent, and even his no-trade clause. Let's look at how the Rangers would look without him.

This team struggles enough as it is to score goals. Over the last month, it seems as if the Rangers only win when Rick Nash scores a goal. When he doesn't, they lose. Plain and simple. When you take Gaborik out of the equation, the onus is put on Nash to score every single game. In other words, the entire Ranger offense will center on one man. The last time I checked, a one man offense doesn't win a Stanley Cup.

Do you really want the Rangers to count on Nash, a confidence-shot Brad Richards, and Ryan Callahan, Stepan, and Hagelin to carry an offense deep into the playoffs? With all due respect to the captain, Steps, and Hags, neither are Rick Nash.

Also, what exactly can the Rangers get for Gaborik? What should they get? If I am Glen Sather, I am asking for the moon and the stars for one of my best goal scorers. I would want a top draft pick, an elite Power Play quarterback, plus another elite scorer. Minimum.

Can the Rangers get those for Gabby? Absolutely? Is it the right thing to do at this point of the season? No.

What the Rangers really need is Gaborik and Richards to get their confidence back. When that happens, they will be capable of doing major damage at the right time. They have 19 games remaining in the regular season to do so. Believe it or not, that's still plenty of time.

If the Rangers are so gung ho on trading Gabby, the right time is the offseason.