Strange. Wonder if Gillis was ever his agent? Incidentally, someone just mentioned to me that Mellanby holds the distinction of having played the 3rd most NHL games in history, without winning a Stanley Cup.

He should feel right at home in Vancouver.

Update 11:10am PT: The CP via the Globe & Mail points out that…

“Mellanby became a fan favourite in Florida when he killed a rat with his hockey stick in the team dressing room.”

How can you not instantly love the guy? I’m sold. :)

Update 11:18am PT: Jim Jamieson at The Province notes,

His hiring may mean that current director of player personnel Lorne Henning is on his way out.

It also occurs to me that Mellanby’s new position is probably exactly the kind of job a lot of Canucks fans were expecting Trevor Linden to slide into.

Update 12:22pm PT: From Craig Custance at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,

After working in television on a part-time basis this year, Mellanby said he was looking forward to returning to the game.

“The bottom line is Mike [Gillis] wanted me to be involved and after speaking with him and meeting with him, I wanted to be involved,” said Mellanby, who will maintain his residence in St. Louis. “My role will be a little more defined as we go along.”