Gary Roberts is joining the Penguins.

Or at least he will after formally signing away the no-trade clause in his contract this morning.

Roberts, a 40-year-old left winger with the Florida Panthers, previously had contended that he would accept a trade only to Toronto or Ottawa, but was persuaded to come to Pittsburgh.

Team officials learned early today that the deal will go through.

The trade has not been formally announced, but defense prospect Noah Welch will be sent to Florida.

Welch had been expected to contend for a regular on the Penguins' defense next season, while Roberts will be an unrestricted free agent free to sign with any team this summer. He previously had said he would like a one-year contract extension in return for agreeing to waive his no-trade clause, but it is not clear whether the Penguins have negotiated such an agreement with him.

Roberts is scheduled to fly here later in the day, but will not be in the lineup when the Penguins face New Jersey at 7:38 tonight at Mellon Arena.