The Panthers on Thursday denied a report that General Manager Jacques Martin declined an offer to trade right wing Gary Roberts to the Toronto Maple Leafs this week because he has a bad relationship with the franchise.

Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper said Thursday that Martin took an inferior offer than the one Toronto made because the Leafs beat the Ottawa Senators - Martin's former team - in the playoffs three straight years and because Martin has a close relationship with former Leafs coach Pat Quinn, who was fired after last season.

Assistant General Manager Randy Sexton called the charges "ridiculous."

The newspaper said Toronto offered Florida second- and fourth-round draft choices and their choice of defensemen Brendan Bell, Staffan Kronwall or Jay Harrison. The Panthers traded Roberts to Pittsburgh for another prospect, defenseman Noah Welch.

Sexton said the Panthers considered several offers but "they weren't anywhere near equal to Noah Welch."

Sexton said Penguins GM Ray Shero had told the Panthers Welch wouldn't be in play. But he relented when it became clear he would be the price if Pittsburghhad to pay.