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Gaborik to debut on L.A.'s top line with Kopitar, Williams

Marian Gaborik

Marian Gaborik #10 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on October 5, 2013 in Uniondale, New York. The Blue Jackets defeated the Islanders 3-2 in the shootout. (October 4, 2013 - Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

If today’s line rushes are any indication -- and they usually are -- the newest King is getting top billing.

Marian Gaborik, acquired from Columbus at yesterday’s trade deadline, skated on L.A.'s No. 1 unit alongside Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams, according to LA Kings Insider. The move pushed captain Dustin Brown, who often plays alongside Kopitar and Williams, onto a second unit with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.

The Kings will take on the Jets tonight in Winnipeg.

Gaborik, 32, was acquired in the hopes of sparking a lifeless L.A. offense. The Kings sit 27th in the NHL in goals per game (2.32) and haven’t gotten much scoring from their wingers this season, so the hope is that Gaborik can find some of the form that saw him score 41 with the Rangers during the 2011-12 campaign.

The Slovakian speedster does have 14 points in 22 games this year, but has missed extensive time with a knee sprain and broken collarbone.