Bobby Robins Might Fill Bruins’ Forward Enforcer Role

Sep 17, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Capitals forward Dane Byers (50) fights with Boston Bruins forward Bobby Robins (64) in the first period at 1st Mariner Arena. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby Robins Has Chance With B’s

With Shawn Thornton exiting to free agency, Peter Chiarelli and the Bruins may search for a Thronton’s replacement, a forward who’s capable of taking on that “enforcer” job.

However, the Bruins may not have to look far, considering the fact that they could have their man in Providence, AHL Bruin Bobby Robins.

At 32 years old, Robins has played on multiple AHL squads, including the Syracuse Crunch, Albany River Rats, Rochester Americans, and Abbotsford Heat. He also saw time overseas in the Austrian Erste Bank Hockey League and the Elite Hockey League in Ireland.

He’s made few appearances in the Black and Gold, but regardless, his advancement into the professional realm could very well occur. Even if Robins makes the squad a fair amount, Providence youngsters like Jordan Caron and Justin Florek will still hold ample opportunities to advance their skills under Claude Julien.

For now, the veteran will focus on offseason training, intending to better his skills to state his case up north.

“I’ve never really been a guy who looks at the number of roster spots open, or who’s playing where on what line, because those are all outside factors beyond my control,” Bobby Robins said, per Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com. “I try to control what I can control, and all that is is for me to come into training camp in great shape and show Boston I can be a smart and effective hockey player.”

He definitely fills the expected capabilities of an enforcer, according to P-Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy.

“His straight line [skating] and his ability to hunt down people on the forecheck and finish his check is excellent. That won’t be an issue,” Cassidy said. “That’s one of his better attributes, is his ability to finish checks hard and clean.”

The real positive aspect of Bobby Robins’ acquisition stems from his low cap number. According to CapGeek, the forward would maintain an NHL salary of $600,000. Compare that to Thornton’s $1.1 million number, and one can understand Chiarelli’s act, especially facing a new $4.5 million cap penalty largely hinged upon Jarome Iginla’s $3.5 million performance bonuses of 2013-14.

In addition to the cap, Robins, despite his lack of NHL experience, would bring not only a veteran presence but also a guy with heart and guts willing to do anything for Boston. Because after all, nine years in the minors amps up a player’s professional desires.

“I didn’t start playing pro hockey to want to play at the second-best level in the world,” Bobby Robins said. “I want to play in the NHL and that’s been my dream ever since I was 5 years old, just like all of us who play hockey. It would mean everything just to see all the hard work, and passion, and dedication all come together.”