Scott Mellanby

Mellanby return to Panthers an option

By Michael Russo

Staff Writer

Posted July 3 2004

One of the most popular and successful Panthers wouldn't mind coming home.

St. Louis Blues right wing Scott Mellanby, the former Panthers captain who ranks first on the team's all-time goals and points list, said he's interested in returning as a free agent.

"The position I'm in, I'm not a guy that's going to garner a three-year deal or maybe not even a two-year deal," said Mellanby, 38, when reached at his home in St. Louis. "It would probably be a one-year deal, so I've got a family to think about. To move again for one year, Florida is an option because it's going back to a familiar situation for my family.

"I want to play, but it's going to be a situation that's comfortable for me. St. Louis would be comfortable. Florida would be comfortable. Certainly I've had great memories in Florida, and I certainly would be willing to listen if [General Manager] Mike [Keenan] wants to talk. If not, I understand too because it's a tough environment in the league right now."

Keenan, who will be patient when it comes to free agency, has not contacted Mellanby's agent, Steve Mountain, but coach Jacques Martin said the Panthers have interest.

"He is a leader, an experienced player who had been there when the team had success in the early years," Martin said.

Mellanby, who will be entering his 20th season and has 340 goals, 770 points and 2,361 penalty minutes in 1,291 games, is coming off an injury-plagued season. Broken ribs, a concussion and a banged-up elbow limited him to 14 goals and 31 points in 68 games. But two seasons ago, Mellanby played 80 games, scoring 26 goals and 57 points on the Blues' top line with Keith Tkachuk and Pavol Demitra.

"I know I'm a little older and can't do some of the things I once could, but I feel I can contribute," Mellanby said. "I definitely can still play this game."

Mellanby is beloved in South Florida. He helped lead the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996. He was traded in February 2001 but still leads the team with 157 goals, 354 points, 66 power-play goals and 1,296 shots. He's second all-time with 552 games, 197 assists, and 22 game-winners.

A hard-working forward who still stands in front of the net, Mellanby would be a positive influence to young power forwards such as Nathan Horton and Anthony Stewart.

"It wouldn't be something I'd see as a new challenge," Mellanby said. "I don't think I'd still be playing if I wasn't viewed as a guy who could be a positive influence on younger players. So maybe Florida would be a good fit, but it's up to them to decide.

"I realize where I'm at in my career. Realistically, without playing with a big bruiser like Tkachuk, I'm a 12-14-minute guy who can play on the third line and first or second power-play unit. I stand in front of the net and take a beating and deflect pucks and create havoc for other guys to do what they do."

Mellanby began his career playing for Keenan in Philadelphia and was known as one of Keenan's whipping boys.

"At some point if you play for Mike, you're going to have some kind of run-in,'' Mellanby said. "He challenged me as a young player and made me a better player. He helped me become the player I became because he was hard on me and made me mentally strong.''

McLennan signs

The Panthers made their first free-agent addition Friday, signing New York Rangers goaltender Jamie McLennan to be Roberto Luongo's backup. McLennan, 33, signed a two-year, $1.3 million deal with a club option for 2006-07 worth $650,000.

"We were looking to get a quality individual person who understands the role," Martin said. "Jamie is supportive and works hard. He's a veteran who will provide leadership and support for the organization and, if need be, he can do the job."

A nine-year veteran of the Islanders, Blues, Wild, Flames and Rangers, McLennan went 13-12-3 last season for the Flames and Rangers with a 2.31 goals-against average and .905 save percentage.

Ritchie to Calgary

Byron Ritchie, who was not offered a new contract by the Panthers, signed Friday with the Flames.

Ritchie, a center who scored five goals and 11 points in 50 games before missing the last two months of the season with a broken collarbone, signed a three-year deal worth $525,000 a season.

"I'm ecstatic," Ritchie said. "Growing up in Vancouver and playing junior in Lethbridge two hours south of Calgary, this is a dream come true.''

Michael Russo can be reached at mrusso@sun-sentinel.com.

That would be beyond awesome. :notworthy