State Of The State: The Latest On Gabby, Zidlicky, Nolan, And Bouchard

I know it comes as a shock to most hockey fans, but Marian Gaborik is injured again. Now, this is old news as he was injured a while ago during the road trip and was diagnosed with a “lower body injury,” which probably means groin.

Gaborik as well as Nolan skated in practice, but they are both listed as day- to- day. Both players skated before practice, but left when practice began.

Zidlicky, however, started practicing on Monday and is expected to play Thursday against the Sabers. I haven’t had a chance to see Zidlicky play yet this year, but he’s supposedly a solid offensive defenseman. He’s got experience, which is what the Wild need for their young team.

The Wild practiced with a slate of eight defenseman.

Arguably more important than Zidlicky, Pierre- Marc Bouchard practiced with the team Wednesday. Bouchard skated with the second line, and will suit up against Buffalo. Bouchard left the team before the Florida game with an apparent back injury.

Also, one Houston Aeros note: right wing Petr Kalus left the Aeros to go back to his native Czech Republic. Kalus, who was in his second pro season, is still under contract with the Aeros, so if he was to come back to North America, he would be Wild property.