Injured Gaborik taken off Slovakia roster

Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Columbus Blue Jackets forward Marian Gaborik will miss the upcoming Winter Olympics after failing to receive medical clearance for a broken collarbone that has sidelined him since December.

Gaborik, who was set to participate in his third Olympics for his native Slovakia, sustained the injury against Philadelphia on Dec. 21 and has missed the Blue Jackets' last 20 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," said Gaborik in a statement released by the Blue Jackets. "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."

A three-time 40-goal scorer during his NHL career, Gaborik has recorded 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in only 18 games this season. The 31-year-old also missed time with a knee injury prior to fracturing his collarbone.