TSN reported earlier today that the Florida Panthers have a deal in place to move Gary Roberts, but it would depend on his waiving his no-trade clause.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette subsequently confirmed the offer came from the Penguins. This is an unexpected turn of events, as it's been widely believed the Pens were seeking defensive depth and perhaps an enforcer to ride shotgun on Sidney Crosby's line.
A report out of Phoenix last Friday had the Pens talking with the Coyotes about Georges Laraque but it appears now that those talks have cooled.
Roberts was informed of the Penguins offer this morning and given time to think about it, since it was well known he'd only consider waiving the NTC to go to Toronto or Ottawa.
It's now been several hours with no word yet from Roberts or the Panthers, which has me wondering if perhaps the Senators, who are believed very interested in him, are trying to put together a counter-offer to match or beat the Pens offer.
**UPDATE**. TSN's Bob McKenzie reported Monday night that Roberts had agreed to waive the clause, setting up a trade to the Penguins for prospect Noah Welch, which is expected to be officially announced on deadline day.
There is some speculation, however, that Roberts' destination may have changed. A late report on TSN during Monday night's Montreal Canadiens-Toronto Maple Leafs game claimed the Leafs had offered a second and fourth rounder along with a prospect for Roberts.
Stay tuned, folks, hopefully we'll find out later today how this plays out.
I don't know if he'd be a good fit with the pens...I could totaly see big George go there for sure, they need some strenth, roberts does provide "grit" but I'm not sure if he'll waive his ntc for anyone other then the leafs or sens.
Spec, with Berard on waivers, do you see any team picking him up since there were a few teams supposidly interested in him? And any news on an affordable backup for us flames since Kipper obviosly needs a qualified one?
(roberts is the only name I'm not using a capital on since I hate him..."sorry flames, my neck hurts, I have to play somewhere elese" The bum)
Not quite sure what to think about it...Why is Roberts such a Canada Boy...WHy not play for a young exicitng team. UNLESS, he doesnt think he can keep up.
A rumor out of NYC has the Rangers and Oilers swinging a deal. The Rangers would get Ryan Smith in exchange for AHL prospect Ryan Callahan. The Rangers earlier today waived center Jason Krog signaling that a move is in the works.
Also, D Aaron Ward was a healthy scratch last game, leading to rumors of his departure. The loudest rumor of which had the Rangers and Kings along with a mystery third team where the Rangers would get Matty Nordstrom.
Sorry, no link. I heard it on the radio (which was shocking since sports talk in NYC hardly ever has hockey)
The alleged trade probably has something to do with the fact that the Rangers' front office is in Edmonton for the Oiler ceremony to retire Messier's #11.
George Laraque would be terrible move for the Pens, and a total waste of a roster spot. The Pens don't need a goon. I wouldn't mind getting the tenacity that Roberts would bring. I actually wouldn't mind if the Pens stand pat and cast their lots with the team they have now. Whether they acquire Roberts or not doesn't matter that much to me, but getting Laraque would be a bad move.
I think if the Flames don't give Krahn a shot at the NHL soon, they'll lose him out of frustration. Why not bring him up and give him a chance? It worked once with Vernon, they rode him to the cup. Just a thought. Obviously noone is going to unseed Kipper as the #1, but, i agree, they need a decent backup, sorry 'noodles', but if they want to go deep in to the playoffs, they need to get him some legit help.
Your Trade Rumours site mentions a rumour floating around that the Pens are offering up Noah Welch for Roberts. Please, hockey gods, by all that is good tell me that this is not the case.
Welch is a promising yound D-man with huge upside. He almost made the roster this season out of camp and will definitely make the starting roster next year. Trading him away for an injury-prone, 40-year old rental player is asinine.
There is nothing in Shero's first year as GM that would make me think that he would make this move, but I guess you never know.
As long as they don't give up a player like Welch or Malone. The Pens blueline is still a weakness and Welch will definitely help next season, and Malone is a power forward who has puck-handling skills. If he goes to another team I'm afraid that he will blossom and Pens fans will be stuck scratching their heads. People forget how Malone carried the offense on his back two seasons ago before Sid the Kid arrived.
I do not like this deal for the Pens at all. Welch is the only defenseman we have close to ready, especially in the stay at home department. He is also better than two regulars in Scuderi and Melichar, but because of a two way contract keeps getting the short end of the stick.
Unless Shero makes a move to shore up the defense significantly, there is no reason for the Pens to be dealing for any rentals. Their defense as it stands just is not good enough to win them the cup, and their sacrificing part of the future for a 40 year old that will be gone in the summer.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
