The Toronto Maple Leafs have brought former player Joe Nieuwendyk back into the fold as the team's special assistant to the general manager.
"Joe is an extremely intelligent individual, who has experienced success throughout his entire hockey career," Toronto GM Cliff Fletcher said in a statement Tuesday. "We will value his contributions on all hockey decisions and he will be a great asset to our organization."
Nieuwendyk, 41, most recently served as a special consultant to the general manager with the Florida Panthers for a year before he announced in mid-April that he would not return for the 2008-09 season.
The Whitby, Ont., native played 20 NHL seasons from 1986 to 2007 for the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, the Panthers and the Maple Leafs. He won three Stanley Cups in three different decades with Calgary (1989), Dallas (1999) and New Jersey (2003).
In 1,257 career NHL regular-season games, Nieuwendyk scored 564 goals and added 562 assists (1,126 points). In 158 career playoff games, he totaled 66 goals and 50 assists (116 points).
As a member of the Maple Leafs during the 2003-04 season, Nieuwendyk had 22 goals and 28 assists in 64 games.
Persistent back problems prompted Nieuwendyk to retire from hockey in December 2006.
With files from the Associated PressPaul Maurice to interview with Panthers
Paul Maurice, fired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs after two seasons on May 7, will interview for the coaching vacancy with the Florida Panthers.
Griffey Jr. heading to White Sox?
The Cincinnati Reds have worked out a deal to send Ken Griffey Jr. to the Chicago White Sox, pending the veteran outfielder's approval.
Red Wings' Lidstrom out 3 weeks
Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom will miss three weeks with a mild ligament strain in his right knee.
Contact Us About Us HomeThursday, August 28th, 2008