How is Gary Roberts Not in the Hall of Fame?

[@thetshaw31]

What a legend. I had the chance to meet him when he played here in Pittsburgh. Such a nice guy my buddy wears the jersey he signed for him to games to this day.

[@ianspottiswood2419]

Pittsburgh GANG.... (i'm a mtl fan though)

[@SonOfTamriel]

Pens rep! Been a fan of the Pens (my fav team) since Mario came to play. Love from Saskatchewan!

[@everydaycarry1328]

Awesome!

[@UncleAnaesthesia]

When I think of a fearless competitor, I think of Gary Roberts. He was a nightmare as a Maple Leaf playing my Senators, but I have the utmost respect for GR.

[@MrOctober44]

When I think of big scumbags I think of Gary Roberts.

[@vincelarsen8001]

LEGEND! Dude walked into the change rooms at a gym I went to. Legit starstruck. Would have talked to him more... if I was wearing pants.

[@philipcoggins9512]

Quite a few Chicklets podcasts where he is mentioned with near god-like status... And lets not forget that he was just Too much man ...

[@656sportsandthings9]

his family is from Newfoundland, not far from my hometown, there is his jersey inside the arena.

[@JohnUnit]

You listen to the way basically anyone who played against him or with him talks about him, and that's why he should be in. Hall of Fame isn't a numbers game

[@Waders27]

He's also currently training some of the best players in the league, like McDavid, Stamkos and Scheifele. I totally agree, he should be in the Hall of Fame.

[@skiptracer2988]

You should make a video about Claude Lemieux. He probably would be in the HOF, if not for a few dirty hits. He was a great player and an important member of four successful cup runs with three different teams.

[@mazukakai]

I think Claude should be in before Roberts, simply because of his clutch playoff play.

[@jessejamesainger3263]

Im pretty sure THG did a video on Claude Lemieux a while back, It's probably in the list of vids on his channel.

[@skiptracer2988]

You're correct. Thanks!

[@swedreamhack5308]

I think Roberts was a good player, great commitment to the game and had a memorable career. My problem is that they force people into Hof every year. The framing "Who's most worthy this year?" should be "Is there anybody worthy at all this year?" to begin with. Because of this, Hof has in rare occasions become an participation award which is unacceptable in my opinion. There must be a higher standard overall. In my book Roberts' body of work is simply not good enough for Hof, it's not even borderline for me. His story is captivating and inspiring but when it comes to whether to put him next to Gretzky, Howe, Hasek, Bure, O'ree, Bowman & Tretiak.... it's a mile long stretch. However, given Zubov slipped in last year, who knows? Maybe one day Backstrom or Roenick will have the strongest claim to it? Should Phil Kessel get in if he won another Stanley Cup? If we induct Roberts, somebody will point at Theo Fleury, then Saku Koivu, Bobby Baun, John Leclair, Vincent Lecavalier and eventually we're down to people arguing about Greg Campbell and Ron Hextall. I think there are many ways to honor a player but Hof must be exclusively for the truly remarkable for it's integrity, else the honor loses it's worth for future generations.

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Agreed. Roberts only had four seasons of 30 plus goals. HOF is for the elite, not the pretty good.

[@Lawomenshoops]

One of the nicest pro athletes I've ever met! Talked to him for about 10-15 minutes on conditioning, after a LA Kings game. Just two guys talking about nutrition and weight training!

[@jasonvoorhees8545]

I met him once way back in 1991 here in Calgary. He was totally a nice guy, we were doing landscaping at a golf course called Heritage Point. He rolled up in his car and said we were crazy for being out in the heat lol He then bought us a cold drink from the vending machine !

[@tomcalvin232]

Guy carbonneau getting in with less than 1000 points should help.he definitely left his mark, hockey legend

[@jordza2k11]

Gary Roberts is probably the only guy Kurt Angle will never brag about winning gold with a broken freaking neck, as Gary will say broken neck? nah mate I'll raise you both shoulders and leg, hes hockeys DDP with health

[@donmor8029]

gary roberts is a legend..playing thru pain n helps players with conditioning the league should thank him for helping players with their conditioning/health...i cannot believe he aint in the HOF...i beleive he is still helping players to this day..help up n coming players (marquee)..so ya get him in there.

[@BrettHornby]

Almost have a strong case to put him in and thought that when he was still with the Calgary Flames. Was a complete player and very tough and incredible how many injuries he overcame. Also related to him growing up as he also dealt with asthma. He looked like he was done a decade before retiring. Remember how much he rejuvenated the Calgary Flames in 1996 when he came back from his surgeries with first goal in his first game back and scoring a hat trick the next game and was in a scrum. May get inducted several down the road and fans will be reminded on who he was.

[@1975Jdonov]

He was a above average NHL player. Not worthy enough for the hall imo. Just because you respect him does not mean he deserves to be in and the fact he is injury prone is enough to keep him out. .74 points per game is just a above average hockey player. The man was tough I will give him that.

[@wilsonrichard7570]

My favourite player. His dedication to the game is amazing.

[@Kman31ca]

Theo Fluery should be in the hall of fame as well.

[@gymrat2647]

Should be in the hall of fame watched him. When I watched the flames play the Habs at the forum

[@mamaji277]

Maybe if he hit 1000 points, had more seasons over a point per game, made the end of the year all star teams, then he probably would've made it.

[@BloggerMusicMan]

I really like Gary Roberts. The first Maple Leafs game I ever saw in person was his first game back from a serious injury back in 2003, which was against my favourite team, Ottawa. I hated the Leafs, despite living near Toronto, and yet I always had incredible admiration for Roberts' effort, attitude, heart and leadership abilities. This was a guy who gave it everything he had every time he was on the ice, pushing every ounce of his potential out of him, overcoming very serious injuries in the process, and had a career that's almost beyond the Hall of Fame in some ways. That's why I think he gets the respect that he has around hockey, more than even many Hall of Famers. But the Hockey Hall of Fame is about career accomplishments and being among the most significant players to have ever played hockey. I don't think Gary Roberts' career was quite at that level. He was a very skilled player without a doubt. But was he ever in the running for Art Ross and Hart Trophies? No. Was he ever in the running for Selke Trophies? No. Was he ever the best player on a team he played on? No. Did his style of play change the sport? No. He won a Stanley Cup, but was he more important to his team than Mike Vernon, Lanny McDonald, Theo Fleury or Doug Gilmour? No. Is there anything especially significant about his career, like Willie O'Ree or even Paul Henderson? Apart from what I think is almost a unique admiration for his overall game, including his toughness and resilience, I would say no. This is NOT a slight against Roberts. He was a three-time All-Star who I would want as a general manager every day on my team. He captures the spirit of what it is to be a hockey player, and my respect for him is very deep. He's earned Hall of Fame consideration. But he is not a Hall of Famer.

[@roryadby8870]

Are you planning on doing a video for Colby Cave?

[@MMGJ10]

Gary Roberts is interesting for sure, but the Hall has to draw a line somewhere. There's so many bubble players and he's one of them. Zubov and Carbonneau were bubble guys too. I always pushed for Zubov and can understand Carbonneau being there too. Where do you draw the line though? Mogilny, Turgeon, Cujo, Osgood, Roenick, Tkachuk, T. Fleury, Lowe, Barrasso, Vernon, Nilsson, Larmer, Alfredsson, Elias..Verbeek.. etc.. What about Neal Broten? With his contributions to American hockey? Claude Lemieux? I even see Sergei Gonchar's name thrown around. Doug Wilson? Rick Vaive put up great numbers in a shorter career. If he played another few years he'd easily be a 500 goal guy. Brian Propp? Lol. Dave Taylor? Bobby Smith? Bernie Nicholls? Brind'Amour? Rick Tocchet? (I loved Tocchet and wouldn't complain, but would he really belong?) How about Dale Hunter? Tough as nails and skilled.. although pretty dirty at times.. Peter Bondra was a top player for awhile and certainly a feared goal scorer with over 500. Vancouver fans want Naslund in there but his numbers just don't justify it. Marleau has the scoring numbers, but only because he played FOREVER. Lecavalier keeps coming up lately, but I don't see it.. Gary Roberts too? Roberts was pretty damn awesome in a lot of ways, but all time great? I dunno. I guess it's all opinion really. Then again, Butch Goring is in there lol. Dick Duff is too.

[@TheDowntownToronto]

Gary Roberts is my favorite player. I wear his jersey when I play to this day. He's in my hall of fame 💪

[@ROTRestoration]

Not only was Gary Roberts a legend in the NHL while playing but he is currently a legend as he has saved the careers of many great NHL players today

[@Yung_Nawsh]

It’s criminal you haven’t made a cam Neely career video

[@chriswingrove7656]

Only played 57 games with my pens but became a folk hero and still is. I remember that game where he broke his leg

[@Leafsdude]

Worth pointing out that, in one of those 38 games in 07-08 with the Penguins, Gary Roberts beat up Ben Eager, a man half his age, with those two shoulders and neck. Guy was a beast.

[@chrisdaley9201]

I agree.. He was a great player.. And even trained some of the current great players too

[@andyjarvis37]

colby cave just passed away! :( guess your making a video on that today?

[@Stuman57]

I got my Roberts jersey the Year Mats went down with a broken foot. He really stepped in as a leader for that team that year. It was close between Tucker and Roberts. I went with the veteran. The leader.

[@jahmanoog461]

1224 games played. 68th in goals scored, >909 points; who is this H OF reserved for? All the right stuff.

[@Sempermortis84]

Man, I only remember Gary Roberts from Toronto. Go Gary!

[@hugh2hoob668]

Joe Mullen is very underrated too one of the best all time imo

[@donmor8029]

i agree joe mullen was such a good player n injuries got to him as well..if im not mistaken, i think he had aneck injury as well n played beyond that

[@Kman31ca]

A lot of great Flames players in that era were underrated.

[@nickromano8851]

Gary is a Hockey LEGEND!

[@occamsox5331]

This guy became a Pittsburgh sports hero in 2 seasons. That game 1 against Ottawa in 08 was beyond legendary. He just punished the Senators. Big hits. Two goals. Fought half the squad at the end of the 3rd. It’s was psychologically crushing. This old man just handed the Sens their collective asses and Pittsburgh swept the series while Sens just kept trying to hit Gary Roberts. His conditioning is said to be borderline madness. His on ice demeanor was sociopathic. I was shocked when they let him go after they lost to the Wings. But they did win the Cup in 09 so I can’t say it was a mistake. But what a unpleasant guy to have had to play against. The saying in Pittsburgh at the time was What would Gary Roberts do?

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

He could have had four 50-goal seasons :\ I sorta remember something about the Flames not being able (willing?) to get whatever player insurance was for Roberts which is also why they didnt bring him back. Might have just been a rumor though. I do prefer your version of it THG :)

[@erickisel8668]

Gary Roberts, Pat Verbeek, Dale Hunter all HOF players…. Great video

[@daledemanchuk7920]

one of the hardest workers ever! his middle name is "commitment"...

[@hugh2hoob668]

I was just arguing how Chris Kunitz better be in the HOF 4 time stanley cup champion one of the best grinders

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

*SQUEAK* Gary Roberts is still in my top-2 favorite Flames. He was my #1 for a long time, until Iginla surpassed him on my Fave list after 2002 or 2003

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

I would *love* it if the Flames could bring him back to Calgary as the teams conditioning coach :( But he probably makes WAY WAY more money doing it as a private business

[@BigStretchies]

Gary Roberts was a beast. Lots of respect for him even though I'm a Sens fan.

[@dsc4178]

Sundin gets hurt in '02, Leafs play their best playoff hockey since 1993. He comes back, Leafs struggle, out.

[@james97699]

Do one on Theo Fleury

[@bishop529]

Is this a THG Hall of Fame induction Shannon?

[@robwhitexp]

We need to start a petition to get Roberts in the hall

[@maverik094]

Waitng for video about Markus Naslund, Vincent Lecavalier, Todd Bertuzzi, Martin St. Louis

[@ryans413]

This has nothing to do with the video but Colby Cave who played for Boston and Edmonton just passed away this morning very sad.

[@ricktacular6316]

Hopefully Daniel Alfredsson can make it into the HOF and Gary Roberts was a pain in the ass to deal with against the sens.

[@mdd47]

He was a badass.

[@frankcann2049]

Please do one on Steve Larmer.

[@swisscheese6456]

RIP Colby cave...

[@mazukakai]

Rick Tocchet or Rick Middleton as well

[@keres666]

I mean if you wanna talk about players who aren't in the HHOF... Pierre Turgeon... most points without being in the HHOF

[@everydaycarry1328]

Turgeon was an excellent center!

[@odigital-4815]

What a interesting player

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Um, is their a lot of players in the HOF that had only four seasons of 30 plus goals?

[@the_auditor1017]

Hey Hockey Guy do you think the NHL is going to return this season?

[@hattorihanzo2275]

It's not looking good.

[@the_auditor1017]

Hattori Hanzo 😢

[@ryanbrown3309]

Look up the definition of iron man, determination and compete and you will find Gary Roberts face.

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

damn right.

[@youarenowreadingthis]

i love gary

[@Tony-Gunk]

I always wondered if Gary Roberts demeanor was like Glens in Wayne's World.

[@mazukakai]

Steve Larmer should be first in line.

[@mazukakai]

And Pierre Turgeon

[@mattcampbell8939]

Current state of the comments "Yeah I ran into him he was nice, what a legendary competitor. Put him into the HHOF" Great career and loved him but there's no way he legit belongs in the HHOF. He probably wasn't in the top 50 players in the league for the majority of his career.

[@raymondleemanpaper]

I don't agree he should be in the HOF. I remember him being a good player, but not a dominating one. I don't think at any moment of his career he would be considered a top ten players.

[@manyu4016]

I used to think he ate a bag of nails before every game

[@BoyNamedSue4]

There’s no way you can’t respect the man.

[@jahmanoog461]

Yeah, a HOFer, he'll get in. He used his size wisely, whipped the puck at the net, quick release shot,,,

[@MMGJ10]

WWGRD?

[@wadeanthony8538]

..if a special category exists for longevity. etc. Gary Roberts gets in....

[@romangagne5842]

Roberts deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame, same with former teammate Theo Fleury

[@QuestionEverything562]

No, just no. Gary Roberts is NOT a Hall of Famer. You can't use how nice of a guy he was and what IF he never was hurt to make a HOF case for him. He never scored a 100 point season in his prime as a winger despite playing in the live puck era. Gary Roberts was a very good player, but he was never considered a great player. He only has 3 AS selections, and just 1 Stanley Cup. THG rewards kindness and outside contributions to players, I don't agree with that. Idc if Bobby Hull was an asshole or Brett Hull snubbed Canada, they were great players and deserve to be in the HOF based off the most important criteria for making the HOF, your impact on the actual ice. Roberts was just hurt too much. I also think Bure shouldn't be in the HOF either even though I loved watching his highlights, his career was too short because of injuries. The Hockey HOF is pretty easy to make as it is, don't need to lower the bar even more for Roberts. I know there's more than just stats to getting to the HOF, but Roberts not only doesn't have the stats, he also has no major hardware other than the Bill Masterton Trophy (which is just a glorified good guy comeback player of the year award). You can't even argue that Roberts was ever even a top 10 player in the league at any point in his career. THG, enjoy your vids, but I totally disagree on this case of yours.

[@mattcampbell8939]

It took Lindros and Neely a while to get into the Hall. Roberts was no where near their level. It's the hockey hall of fame, not the hockey hall of had a few all star years but then fell off.

[@gimmick7389]

because a perennial 40-50 point scorer isn't good enough?

[@TheHockeyGuy]

His numbers are better than that.

[@lrba5524]

his neck, his back....................................

[@joonasehro7089]

THG Hall of fame inductee material?

[@adventureseeking95]

He was a good player not great and his career stats does not qualify him as a hall of famer and for those who say well he was injured he played more games that Lemieux and has nowhere near the stats so there you go

[@TheHockeyGuy]

Wait, you're using Mario as a comparison?.... Seriously? I would compare him to Cam Neely who is in the hall and played a similar style and a lot less games.

[@adventureseeking95]

@@TheHockeyGuy you were mentioning his extensive injury specifically back/neck and that brings up Lemieux also power forward and to me the greatest power forward and player ever was Lemieux so seemed fair to mention it but with Neely the argument has been he was on pace to become the greatest power forward in the game which I dont think Robert's at his best could be looked at as the best power forward of all time or even of his time since you had Mario and Messier when he was in Calgary and then Lindros and then Neely in the 90s just to name a few

[@Waders27]

@@adventureseeking95 If Neely is in the Hall of Fame, then Gary Roberts should be.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@Waders27 I don't think any of the players that played for Pat Quinn will get in because of how he coached.

[@ryantrylsson6462]

Honestly, he is a pretty damn good player but never the guy. It's just like Damphousse. Always was great, but never one of the best. I think it's right both aren't in HHOF

[@wilsonrichard7570]

I thought he was the real captain of the leafs. Sorry matts.

[@youngandfree93]

He fell short of 1000 points so I think he maybe a long shot to some sadly.

[@a-cell4564]

2 minutes? Wow I was too fast, no good comments yet. Sad.

[@pumpkinking5174]

Hall of Fame stick work.

[@nhlvan]

He isn't in the hockey hall of fame because his stats are not even close to hall worthy. Not even hall of very good with the likes of Doan, Linden and Naslund.

[@stevedrake604]

Gary Roberts was a very good player, but he's not remotely worthy of the Hall of Fame. Put Keith Tkachuk in first, for God's sake. Shannon is out of his mind.

[@sg552]

his career looks pretty mediocre tbh

[@Mahoneyyay]

100 percent should be in numbers and accolades to back it up Lindros gets in before him should be criminal

[@rick.d]

There is one reason. i.imgur.com/1K8Uh.jpg