Pittsburgh ? Gary Roberts pictured a soft landing back in Toronto or with rival Ottawa at last year’s trade deadline.

Both teams were on his approved list of destinations when the Florida Panthers shopped the veteran winger around the NHL before last year’s trade deadline, and it took some prodding once general manager Jacques Martin completed a deal with the Penguins before Roberts agreed to take his act to Pittsburgh.

Enjoying a trip to the Stanley Cup finals in what could be the last of his 20 NHL seasons, the 42-year-old Roberts is as happy with the Steel City as Pittsburgh’s fans are with the hard-hitting forward.

“I haven’t played tons of hockey this year, so now that I’m feeling like I’ve got my health back, I’m just trying to bring some energy and create some scoring chances for my linemates,” Roberts said Friday.

Roberts has been one of Pittsburgh’s best forwards in the series and will be counted on again today when the Penguins try to get even 2-2 with Detroit in the finals.

“He’s a guy that can go out there and really give you momentum with a big hit or creating that energy that you need,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said.