Gary Roberts To Leave Pittsburgh

Jesse Marshall | Pittsburgh Penguins

Jun 23, 11:30 PM | Hype this story!

The Post-Gazette reported late tonight that Gary Roberts will return to the NHL next year, but it will not be for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In somewhat of a surprising move, Roberts’ agent Rick Curran had the following to say:

“He very much enjoyed his time there,” Curran said. “But he understands that Ray [Shero, the Penguins’ general manager] has a number of items on his agenda that would take priority.”

“He had a real good experience there, and he’s glad that he came,” Curran said. “But he’s going to look for opportunities somewhere else.”

Roberts, who had an injury plagued season as a 41 year old veteran, will depart for free agency next Tuesday.

This move comes as a great shock and surprise to basically everyone in the Pittsburgh hockey community. Roberts, who was beloved by the fans of this team, was a verifiable man amongst boys for the better part of his duration here.

Roberts will best be remembered for his pummeling of Ben Eager and his two goal game against the Senators in round 1 of this years playoffs.

With the loss, the door is open on the 4th line for a younger forward to step in and try to fill a big pair of shoes.

Whatever the case, I’d like to personally thank Gary Roberts for the time he spent in Pittsburgh.

Comments

  1. Andrew R

    Jun 24, 12:25 AM

    We will miss you, Gary. We won’t know What To Do without you.

  2. Dabich

    Jun 24, 04:43 AM

    MG! I thought he was retiring? This is sad, but hey, if that’s what he wants to do, then what can we do???

  3. Pens1967

    Jun 24, 04:59 AM

    Roberts made a great contribution to a young Pens team, but clearly age is catching up to him.

  4. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 24, 07:30 AM

    I’m shocked, to be honest with you. I thought he would either retire or return to the Penguins at a reduced salary — or, in a worst-case scenario, I thought Shero might have to make the decision to cut him, but I never would have guessed he would choose to move on.

    Regardless, it’s every free agent’s right to do as he chooses, and more often than not, it has nothing to do with personal feelings.

    I too would like to thank Roberts for his time here. He clearly taught the young players what intensity is. Most notably, I think, were Tyler Kennedy and Jordan Staal, both of whom seemed to step it up a notch when the going got tough.

    Now, the question is, does this create a void that must be filled by another grizzled veteran, or is this a team that no longer needs such mentorship?

  5. KG

    Jun 24, 07:59 AM

    Not a fun off season to say the least….yet!

  6. Phil

    Jun 24, 08:12 AM

    Moderately unrelated, I think the Pens should see what Mike Peca wants for a 2-3 year deal. He could be had for $1.5 mil/yr. That would allow Staal to go to the second line wing for Gino and Talbot could model himself after Peca. If there’s one NHL’er who Talbot reminds me of, it’s Michael Peca. Disagreements?

  7. Dabich

    Jun 24, 08:17 AM

    Phil, good point. I’m anxiously waiting to see how this all pans out.

  8. Pens1967

    Jun 24, 09:23 AM

    Roberts did his job in showing the younger Pens what dedication to a sport is and how to train and keep oneself in shape.

    Even though Gary is gone, his legacy will be around for awhile.

  9. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 24, 09:43 AM

    Phil, I was advocating for the acquisition of Peca prior to the trade deadline. Let Dupuis walk and bring in Peca. Put Staal on second line LW and Talbot on third line LW. I’m a huge fan of the idea.

  10. TIM

    Jun 24, 10:45 AM

    I always liked Peca so I too throw my hat in the ring. Gary Roberts was a total warrior when he was here and I would like to thank him for giving what he could while he was healthy. Seeing him score that opening goal against the Sens was awesome.

  11. Phil

    Jun 24, 01:09 PM

    Why let Dupuis go? a third line of Peca/Dupuis/Kennedy? Imagine all that speed!! Yes, Peca still has ssome wheels.

    Matt, I was talkin amongst my buddies about picking him up too. Not that I’d change how the deadline went down last year, but I think this would be a great coup for Shero and Co.

    We’ll see though…

  12. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 24, 02:17 PM

    I have heard talk that Dupuis might be on his way out, and I can believe that. He was a solid pickup and someone I would like to keep, but not a necessity. I hate to see Talbot playing the fourth line, as he just seems ready to take the next step.

  13. Phil

    Jun 25, 07:58 AM

    If Dupuis and Hossa are both gone, Sid needs 2 wingers then. Maybe sign Jagr or Naslund and make Talbot his other winger?

  14. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 25, 09:58 AM

    Phil, Jagr scares me. His a puck-lugger and so are Crosby and Malkin. Mix these guys and it’s a recipe for disaster. Naslund, on the other than, is much less selfish, and, in my opinion, would be a great replacement for Hossa. And, assuming he signs for $4 million, and assuming Hossa’s offer was for $7 million, that would leave $3 million for another winger for that line, so bumping Talbot wouldn’t necessarily even be needed.

    I think the important thing to realize is that Shero will be targeting a big-name free agent next Tuesday to replace Hossa. But, I also think he’ll be looking more for the $4 million range so he can nab two players for depth purposes rather than one superstar.

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