Former Thrashers captain Scott Mellanby was hired by the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday as a consultant to new general manager Mike Gillis and the hockey operations.

Mellanby, who retired folllowing the 2006-07 season, had expressed interest in joining the Thrashers front office last summer but wanted to live in St. Louis, which was a deal-breaker for the Thrashers.

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."