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The expansion Minnesota Wild used the first draft pick in team history, third overall, on Slovakian left wing Marian Gaborik. While the 6-1, 183-pound Gaborik was NHL Central Scouting's fourth-ranked European prospect, it came as no surprise that he cracked the top three selections. Most scouts believe he is the prospect most prepared for the NHL. Unlike most prospects, Gaborik opted to stay in Europe and had 25 goals and 22 assists in 50 games with Trencin of the Slovakian League. As a 16-year-old, he scored three goals in six games at the 1999 World Junior Championships. He also had three goals for Slovakia at the 2000 World Junior Championships, although his stock fell slightly since midseason, when he was ranked second by NHL Central Scouting. Gaborik possesses strong skating skills and can accelerate with the best of them. No one questions his offensive skills but some wonder if he will be a defensive liability.
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