Roberts flames out
Gary Roberts retired today. It was probably a year overdue, as he had not played much in Tampa Bay this year, and there was not a market for a 42-year-old forward at the trade deadline. Roberts was one of my favourite Leafs for the first half of the decade, and he was arguably one of the toughest old guys in the NHL from 2000 to 2004. He is a classically Canadian hockey player, a 50-goal scorer once, and a force as a power forward for most of his career. He was also an inspiration for how he was able to overcome a neck injury that could have ended his career and how he focused on humanitarian needs in whichever city he played. So here's the question: is Gary Roberts a Hall of Famer? His numbers are impressive, though not amazing: 20+ seasons, 1,224 games, 438 goals, 471 assists, 2,560 penalty minutes, 1 Stanley Cup (Flames in 1989). He was a top-three forward on the Flames and Leafs, and he demonstrated a high level of fitness and ability through to the end of his career. I think that, by the numbers, he'd be just on the outside, but that when all factors are considered, Roberts should be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Thoughts?
Labels: Hall of Fame, retirements
posted by Life of Turner at
10:45 AM
3 Comments:
I just don't see Roberts getting into the Hall. During his career he only had four seasons over 53 points, only four seasons over 29 goals. With guys like Mike Gartner and Dino Ciccarelli with hundreds of more points and a far more impressive resume, I just don't see Roberts making it even with his intangibles.
Half of Roberts career was in the most offensive, most wide-open offensive time in NHL history with inflated stats of many NHL'ers, I think Roberts falls into this category and sad to say, his stats aren't even that good.
He was an exciting and entertaining player and the type of player that every team needs but in my mind, he's simply not a hall of famer.
I agree with Aidan. Roberts had a good career but not an amazing one. He won no individual honours outside of a single Masterton trophy and though he played critical parts in the Flames Cup and the Pens' attempt last year he's never been more than a role player and solid team guy.
Guys hated playing against him but that does not get you a free ride into the HoF.
Side note: being on the Leafs also does not get you into the Hall of Fame either.
You're probably right...he won't be. But I still think he should be. And not just because he was a Leaf.
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