Gary Roberts retires

[Magootz]

I wish someone picked him up so he could finish the year at least. Great career

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=270018&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main


Gary Roberts' NHL career is over.

Unclaimed on waivers on trade deadline day, the 42-year-old veteran will not play another game with the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. He had already announced that he would retire at the end of this season.

A formal announcement of Roberts' retirement is expected from the Lightning.

Roberts' contract worked against him being picked up on waivers. His cap hit was more than $2 million and he has a bonus package that pays him $10,000 for each game he plays.

Roberts was Selected by the Calgary Flames 12th overall (1st round) in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.

He went on to win a Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1988-89.

In 1996, at the age of 30, Roberts announced his retirement from hockey due to injuries, but he underwent an intense re-conditioning program and returned to the NHL after the following season.

In 1224 career NHL games with Calgary, Carolina, Toronto, Florida, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay, Roberts had 438 goals and 471 assists for 909 points, adding 2560 PIM.

 

[jasonsportscard]

thats a shame, wish the habs would have picked him up for some leadership if nothing else

 

[Fritz]

ahh well its been a while coming I guess, fit or not he hasn't been playing his top hockey for a few years now.

 

[geerhed19]

I don't know the particulars, but if he really wanted to keep playing, isn't there a way for him to renegotiate a cheaper contract(akin to when Hasek refused his $$ when hurt)?

 

[FrankToronto]

I have always been a big fan and had the highest respect for Roberts. I, too, wish I could see him in a Habs uniform.

 

[bigzippy]

Would have loved him just to be a bench warmer with the Flames. Could have been the first Flame to lift the Cup twice!

 

[cards-gotta-go]

Thanks for hangin' 'em up Dad.

 

[stajan55]

He was a great player and I will miss him.

James

 

[gigs6027]

A crappy way for a good player to go out. Quite unfortunate I think.

 

[wildfan1833]

I hope him all the best with what ever he dose. Great Player

 

[jmatchett]

The salary cap claims a victim.

 

[horton16]

Roberts was a great leader and has had a good career. It's unfortunate he didn't get picked up. Gary always carried himself well and earned a respectful position within the NHL history book.

 

[cburt]

Too bad, but good career. The Pens really missed his leadership this year. Someone should have picked him up.

 

[Kahnadah]

Would have loved him just to be a bench warmer with the Flames. Could have been the first Flame to lift the Cup twice!

I hear that brother!

I thank Gary for the good years he put in with the Flames and the Cup he helped us win. :beer:

James

 

[patrickadams26]

I will miss seeing Roberts play. He always made a great play to change the momentem of the game. With a big hit or goal. He is the Heart and Soul of any team he has been on.