Former Leafs' Tough Guy Wants A Shot At Brad Marchand

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Dylan Robillard
June 7, 2023 (2:39)

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Dubbed 'The Rat' for his relentless pestering tactics, Brad Marchand has established himself as one of the most notorious troublemakers in the NHL. His ability to get under the skin of his opponents has garnered him numerous enemies throughout the league. However, it seems that even former players are now expressing their desire to face off against Marchand, eager to have a chance at settling the score.

In a recent interview, former Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Gary Roberts humorously entertained the idea of making a comeback solely to have a crack at Marchand. At 52 years old, Roberts didn't mince his words when describing his intentions towards the current Boston Bruins forward.

When asked about the possibility of returning to the game, Roberts candidly shared his thoughts on his desired encounter with Marchand during an appearance on Leafs Lunch, a popular show aired on TSN 1050. With admiration for Marchand's skill as a player, Roberts didn't hold back from criticizing the sideshow antics that often accompany his game.

"I'd jump at the opportunity to lace up the skates for a few shifts against Brad Marchand. There's no denying he's become a formidable force in the game, and I respect his abilities on the ice...100 percent. However, I find the extracurricular activities he engages in to be unnecessary," explained Roberts. "I firmly believe there's no room for such behavior in the sport. If one player is allowed to act in such a manner, then it's only fair that someone else should be able to address it. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case."

Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing in at 215 pounds, Roberts amassed an impressive record of 111 fights over the course of his career, earning himself a reputation as a formidable combatant. Additionally, he accrued a total of 2560 penalty minutes throughout his tenure. Notably, Roberts concluded his playing days with an impressive 910 points over 1224 games, proving that he was more than capable of contributing on the offensive end, much like Marchand.

One cannot deny the credit that must be given to Marchand. The fact that his agitating style of play has prompted a (albeit joking) desire for a comeback from a former tough guy like Roberts speaks volumes about the impact he has on the game. Clearly, Marchand's abilities extend beyond his skill set, as his mere presence on the ice can stir up emotions and provoke a reaction.