Roberts back to Toronto?

[CuMsHoT KinG]

Leaf fans might find this interesting!

I'd welcome Gary back, he's a workhorse that would elevate Jeff O'Neil's game no doubt being buddies with him back in the day in Carolina.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2006/06/29/a2c_nhl_0629.html

 

[CuMsHoT KinG]

He would be a great assistant coach. But as a player? He's over the hill its time to get young. Not a good idea to bring in players who are older than the coach.

I disagree.

Roberts and Niewendyk were the reason the Panthers improved last year.

Roberts is a health freak and he's more like a Rob Brindamour type. Gary is a 40 year old trapped in a 30 year old body.

I do agree the Leafs need to keep getting young but with his leadership and grit it would a breath of fresh air for a team that lacked that killer instict last year and Roberts can still play for a few more years.

 

[Rocket Man]

Gary Roberts will help out if the Leafs if they get to the playoffs. The younger players usually have what it takes when it comes to the playoffs, but you need them to get you there.

 

[Coach]

He's done, finished, way overpaid. He WAS a good player, not any more.

 

[21pro]

though it's true he improved the Florida team, as for the leafs I'd prefer them to go out after a newer generation power forward like how JFjr. reportedly could have had Colorado winger Alex Tanguay for a draft choice -- and not a first-rounder... hmmm, let a good one get away again... he's only 26 w/ over 400 pts under his belt already and only makes 1.6 million more than Domi (what's wrong w/ JFjr.?) ... also, K-Lowe is shopping the possibility of Raffi Torres (bringing him back to the GTA doesn't sound too bad), instead they are looking to Bill Guerin... my opinion - too high a price to pay for another player that had a dismal post season... you want affordable playoff performers, don't you?

some rumour Matt Cullen as a possibility... but, remember JFjr went for Jason Allison before when Cullen was available to be signed for less. Cullen is a cheaper player, produces more and is quick. what would the leafs have to give to get him... more top draft picks and a potential 1st liner probably...


lots and lots available, but, JFjr backed himself into a corner with not much to give but young talent and high draft picks... certainly drowning the talent pool for the leafs future. JFjr's time might not last too many seasons more with the PLAN he is carrying out.

 

[maurice93]

reportedly could have had Colorado winger Alex Tanguay for a draft choice -- and not a first-rounder... hmmm, let a good one get away again... he's only 26 w/ over 400 pts under his belt already and only makes 1.6 million more than Domi (what's wrong w/ JFjr.?) ...

Stop the fake and pretend GM'ing.

Calgary got him for a second and Leopold.

Yet the Leafs were going to get him for just a second..... sure.

 

[Primetime21]

There was a reason that the Leafs let these two guys go to Florida. They were dividing the dressing room in half. I don't care about this so called leadership thing, if he is a cancer in the dressing room then let him stay in Florida. I am really getting tired of these so called athletes that want to dictate where they should be playing. Shut the fuck up and go where you are sent or where you choose to play for the most money. Dont whine about where you want to be sent to. I am hoping that the LEafs let Domi go, he is another one that causes too much shit in the dressing room.

 

[jimmyt]

He's done, finished, way overpaid. He WAS a good player, not any more.

The intangibles will be what his value is this time around. Even if he only plays 60 games, his leadership in the room and on the ice will teach the young guys on the team how to be professional.

The work ethic and dedication to training and health will make good templates for the entire team.

And the other good thing about this? GOODBYE TIE!!!

 

[21pro]

Stop the fake and pretend GM'ing.

Calgary got him for a second and Leopold.

Yet the Leafs were going to get him for just a second..... sure.

No. it's reportedly true. it involved more players and intricacies that led to a potential Tanguay for two 2nd's... 2006 and 2007(via NYI to TO to COL); General Manager Francois Giguere reported to be interested in a deal involving NY islanders, the leafs and the avalanche w/ McCabe, Jason Blake and a few nobodies... but obviously it wasn't one that could be sealed. Pierre McGuire said it didn't fall through because JFjr. didn't want to focus on McCabe signing during the draft...

 

[gladheateher]

I dont think Roberts has much left in the tank and really can't help this team (its beyond help as long as JFJ is the GM)

 

[freetime]

After what we seen last year Roberst would help this team, out alot we have to get rid of Oneil, as he does not like to fly.

 

[the_big_E]

no golden oldies, and they aren't even golden

give the young guys a chance right from the get go instead of when these old men go down and the young'ens have to come up anyhow

 

[BlahBlah]

Until the Leafs lower their average age to under 40, I propose they be banned from acquiring anyone else over the age of 30.

All kidding aside, I love Roberts but it would be a waste for him to come to the Leafs. They aren't going anywhere and so he wouldn't provide any tangible help.
Ottawa needs Roberts to provide the gritty leadership they lack. The Leafs just lack talent, on ice and especially in the front office, so unless Roberts wants to come here in a coaching role, the Leafs should stay away.

 

[21pro]

do you sit in the leafs dressing room? you must be a player to be so informed on the comings and goings behind the scenes....

PT21 was the same guy that thought the signing a few years ago that now leads Sundin to making almost $8 million this season is a good signing...

Sundin makes $1million more than Joe Thornton- and Joe is no bargain either. I'd say more than 2.5 million is tied up in this guy... the other millions being Belfour(previously), Domi (previously) and Allison... this mistakes are said to be corrected... no. they aren't. the leafs have to pay for them now. and because of that they won't ever be able to land a Pronger et. al... had they not paid each of these 4 so rediculously high, they'd easily woulda had room for Dany Heatley instead of Ottawa, and coulda picked up virtually any UFA this summer. instead, they can't afford much and they don't have much to give away in trade, either!

BTW- there is only one thing Gary Roberts can guarantee. that is, that he isn't the player he used to be.

 

[CuMsHoT KinG]

Oh yes I remember seeing the Panthers in the playoffs!

I didn't say anything about Florida being in the playoffs but indeed an approvement!

At the same time did you see the Leafs in the playoffs last year?

 

[Toronto Passions]

Good debates in this thread about Roberts. It's a tough call IMHO. Is he at the same value as before? Probably not even close. Does his leadership still have anything left in the tank to rub off on others? I'd say yes.

It's a tough call.

 

[Toronto Passions]

Roberts cannot be part of the plan as he will take playing time from improving players like Steen, Stajan and Poni (sorry, can't spell the rest)

Like Ponikarovsky? Lol. (I had to copy and paste that)


I don't see Paul Maurice as the line juggling type like the unsure Quinn always was. Whatever line he plays Roberts on, I see him in more of a checking role than anything else. Maybe a nice little "go to" checking line depending on goals scored.

 

[stang]

They didn't win anything last time he played here. Has he gotten better since then?
Somebody said it best - get him behind the bench.

 

[The Bandit]

They're better off paying Roberts 2.5 mil, than Domi. He'll play more, be more productive, and be an influence in the room.

 

[21pro]

I'll place my bets right now... If Gary Roberts comes back to Toronto, I'd be willing to bet and expect him to play no more than 55 games this season and score less than 10 goals. Save this quote so you can rip me later...