Blue Jackets' Marian Gaborik pulls out of Sochi Olympics

Marian Gaborik's chances of playing for Slovakia in Sochi were slim due to his injury. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) By Allan Muir On a day dominated by talk of

Marian Gaborik's chances of playing for Slovakia in Sochi were slim due to his injury. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

By Allan Muir

On a day dominated by talk of who is, and who isn't, going to Sochi, this news might be the least surprising so far.

Injured Blue Jackets winger Marian Gaborik made it official today, announcing that he was removing himself from Slovakia's roster for the 2014 Olympic Games.

“I’m extremely disappointed that I won’t be able to play for Slovakia at the Olympic Games but understand the decision is the right one for my recovery and for the national team,” Gaborik said in a statement. “I have been lucky and proud to represent my country at two Olympic Games and other international tournaments and look forward to doing so again in the future.”

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Gaborik had competed in two previous Olympic tournaments (2006 and '10), scoring seven goals and 12 points in 13 games. He suffered a broken collarbone in a game against the Flyers on Dec. 21 and has yet to return to action.

“Marian has worked extremely hard and done everything possible to rehabilitate his injury and return to the ice with the hope of representing his country in Sochi,” said Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen. “We share his deep disappointment that he will not be able to do so, but are optimistic that he will be fully recovered very soon.”

were named to the team back on Jan. 7.